In brief
Reopening the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was part of Donald Trump’s late‑campaign push on the eve of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. He touted repairs done at a low cost, promised a $5,000 rebate for every adult if Republicans win, claimed victory over Iran, and announced plans for a new drone‑capable military complex. The event came after a costly renovation that faced delays from peeling paint and algae.
On Monday, Donald Trump reopened the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., after months of repairs, marking the site’s return on the eve of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Trump said the pool, built between 1920 and 1923, had suffered leaks, algae and vandalism. He told reporters the pipes had been replaced and the surface resurfaced, and that his administration finished the work at a lower cost than earlier estimates.
In his remarks, the president called the upcoming vote “the most important midterm I believe in our lifetime.” He promised that if the Republicans win, every adult would receive a $5,000 rebate, to be spent in the United States, renewing an earlier pledge.
“If we win the election, everybody is going to get $5,000. Every adult is going to get $5,000,” Trump said.Trump.
Trump also addressed U.S.–Iran tensions, saying, “We had a war with Iran. We won,” and claimed that the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz, adding that a deal could happen if Iran drops its demands to stop targeting U.S. leaders.
“We had a war with Iran. We won,” Trump said.Trump.
Later, the president announced plans for a “Triumphal Arc Military Complex” near Arlington Memorial Bridge, describing it as a new drone‑capable installation and a key part of a broader defense push.
Reuters reported that the more‑than‑$16‑million renovation faced delays from peeling paint and algae growth before the pool’s official reopening.
The event underscores the high stakes of the midterms, with Republicans and Democrats vying for control of Congress after the pandemic‑era elections.
