WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump delivered a 26-minute speech at the Lincoln Reflecting Pool on Monday, the final day before the midterm elections, using the recently reopened $15 million renovation of the iconic water feature as the centerpiece of his closing pitch.
Trump framed the project — which stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument — as a unifying effort. "This project should be a project that unites all Americans," he said, referring to the Reflecting Pool, which has faced scrutiny over peeling paint, algae growth and mechanical issues since its renovation.
The speech came as polling indicated Democrats were in a strong position to win control of the House of Representatives and were competitive in the Senate. Such gains could allow them to block Trump's legislative agenda, investigate his administration and stall his judicial appointments.
Trump acknowledged the possibility of facing an opposition-controlled Congress, stating in an interview that if Republicans did not win, he would veto everything. "If we didn't win, I veto everything," he said.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. The battle for the upper chamber remains closely contested.
The renovation of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool has been controversial, with the pool having to be drained repeatedly following issues with its blue lining and workmanship after contractors painted the shallow basin an American flag blue. The Lincoln Memorial, where the Reflecting Pool is located, is also the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech.
Democrats held their final campaign rallies in battleground states, including Texas and Kansas, where candidates are seeking Senate upsets. The closing campaign was marked by fierce attacks, with Trump portraying Democrats as extremists. In Michigan, a last-minute political rift emerged after Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers.
More than $11 billion has been reportedly poured into political advertising for the election. Billionaire Elon Musk has contributed nearly half a billion dollars towards Republican political efforts. Approximately 57 million Americans had already cast their ballots before Tuesday's Election Day.
The midterm election represents a pivotal moment for the balance of power in Congress, with the outcome likely to determine the extent of Trump's legislative freedom in the next session.
