President Donald Trump used a speech on Monday to promote his renovation projects in Washington, DC, just one day before the midterm elections. He praised the repair of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, defended his handling of past damage and highlighted a new helipad at the White House.
Trump said the reflecting pool was now in better shape than ever. He also brought up claims of vandalism during the repair work, even though the case linked to the damage had already been dropped.
“The pool is now better and more beautiful than it’s ever been before, and we’re very proud of it,” Trump said during his speech. He added that the project had faced problems linked to vandalism.
However, the Justice Department under his own administration had dropped the case against former Olympic athlete David Hearn. The case had accused Hearn of damaging the pool.
A judge later dismissed the case after prosecutors acknowledged that faulty installation work had caused the damage. This finding weakened the earlier claims that vandalism was responsible.
Trump also raised the idea of changing the name of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He said his administration was giving serious thought to calling it the Trump Reflecting Pool. He later said he was joking.
During the speech, Trump displayed printed pictures of pipes, joints and other materials used in the repair work. He also showed an image that appeared to display the number “8647” on the base of the empty pool.
Trump claimed the marking was linked to a phrase used by former FBI Director James Comey. Comey has been one of Trump’s most outspoken former officials and political opponents.
The focus on the reflecting pool came as Trump continued to promote his wider plans to reshape the nation’s capital. His administration has worked on several major projects around Washington and the White House.
He also praised the recently installed helipad at the White House. In addition, he discussed work to restore the lawn after a UFC event held on the White House grounds. Scotts Miracle-Gro was involved in the lawn restoration.
Trump’s plans include a large triumphal arch in the Washington area and a new White House ballroom. He has also discussed other changes to public spaces in the capital.
However, several of these projects have faced public criticism. Polls have shown that many Americans do not support some of Trump’s plans for the city and the White House.
Trump said the reflecting pool project should bring people together rather than divide them. He described the newly reopened site as a project that all Americans should be able to support.
The pool had remained empty for an extended period earlier in the year while repair work was under way. Its return has become a key part of the president’s effort to promote his changes to Washington.
Despite the focus on construction and repair work, much of Trump’s speech sounded like a campaign rally. He praised his immigration policies and discussed the war with Iran. He also attacked Democrats, calling them a party that hates America.
Trump described the midterm elections as one of the most important political contests in the country’s history. He warned voters that Democratic candidates were too extreme and dangerous.
“This is the last day before the midterm elections, the most important midterm I believe in our lifetime,” he said.
He also repeated his promise to send $5,000 checks to Americans if Republicans won the midterm elections. The proposal formed part of his wider appeal to voters ahead of the contest.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also joined the event and spoke before Trump returned to discuss his plans for Washington.
The president then promoted his proposed triumphal arch. He also shared plans for a promenade that would connect the Lincoln Memorial with the Potomac River.
Trump further mentioned a planned renovation of his golf course. The project has also drawn attention amid legal and public questions surrounding his wider development plans.
He said Washington had many major projects ahead but suggested there was not enough time to discuss all of them.
Trump ended his speech by praising what he called a golden age for the United States. He said other world leaders had once laughed at America but no longer did so.
His remarks showed how closely his personal vision for Washington has become linked to his political message. With the midterm elections approaching, he used the event to highlight construction plans, defend past decisions and ask voters to support Republican candidates.
The reflecting pool, White House helipad and proposed arch have become part of a wider effort to change the look of the capital. However, public debate over the cost, purpose and value of these projects is likely to continue beyond the election.
