Trump marks Reflecting Pool reopening in final appearance before midterm elections

President Donald Trump used his last public appearance before Tuesday's midterm elections to mark the reopening of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, joking that he would name the repaired pool after himself, according to ABC7 New York and ABC11.

The Monday speech focused largely on the pool's troubled renovation and on other construction projects in the capital. ABC7 New York reported that the president spent about 20 minutes on his D.C. projects before turning to the elections, which will decide control of the House and Senate.

ABC11 reported that after the resurfacing, the pool filled with algae and its blue liner began peeling away. Trump again said vandals were to blame. ABC11 described that claim as false, and both outlets reported that there had been an admission in court that poor workmanship on the renovation Trump ordered caused the pool to be closed. According to ABC11, the Justice Department had charged a former Olympian with damaging the pool but dropped the case this summer after concluding he was not responsible.

The stage carried signs reading "Restoring Our Capitol" and "The Reflecting Pool," along with a poster declaring the pool "Back, and more beautiful than ever!" ABC11 reported that Trump discussed the shade of blue he chose for the pool's bottom, displayed enlarged photos of rusted pipes, and afterward stood holding a poster of the pool while music played.

Trump acknowledged his attention to the capital. "We have a lot of great things planned for Washington, and I could get into the nation, but for that, you don't have enough time," he said, as quoted by ABC11.

Turning to the elections, Trump called them possibly the most important midterms of a lifetime, accused Democrats of fielding extreme candidates, and cited border security and tax cuts, ABC7 New York reported. He also noted that presidents' parties historically struggle in midterms. "For some reason, the sitting president doesn't win the midterms," he said, according to ABC7 New York.

ABC7 New York reported that Democrats' prospects have improved amid public frustration over inflation and the war with Iran.

Reports differ on the rest of Trump's schedule. ABC7 New York, citing the White House, said he would join seven more tele-rallies, while ABC11 reported he was scheduled for nine.

Elsewhere, ABC11 reported, Vice President JD Vance campaigned in New York and Ohio. In Iowa, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand appeared with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. In Michigan, Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed campaigned after Rep. Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the primary, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers.

Compiled by True News from reporting by ABC7 New York, ABC7 News Bay Area, ABC11 and 6abc Action News. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/695