Trump focuses on Washington renovations in final major speech before midterms
With control of Congress at stake, President Donald Trump devoted much of his closing speech to renovation projects as voters identified living costs as their leading concern.
By News Media House Staff ·
US President Donald Trump devoted much of his final major speech before Tuesday's midterm elections to renovations in Washington, discussing paint, plumbing and landscaping as his Republican Party faced the possibility of losing control of Congress. The White House presented Monday's 54-minute address as part of his closing appeal to voters.
Speaking in front of the towering marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, Trump reviewed work on the recently reopened Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and joked about renaming it after himself. His remarks also covered new sod, the White House helipad and other projects he said would improve the capital's appearance. He described becoming particularly involved in the work over the past few months.
The address came as nonpartisan analysts generally favored Democrats to take a majority in the House of Representatives, while viewing the Senate contest as competitive. A Reuters/Ipsos poll put Trump's public approval at 32%, close to the lowest level of his career. Voters identified the cost of living as their chief concern. Energy prices have climbed sharply since the US and Israeli war with Iran began, rising 20% from a year earlier, according to the US Consumer Price Index.
Many Republican strategists privately wanted Trump to concentrate his election message on household economic concerns. His campaign tour, which included 28 rallies across 19 states since October 1, has instead featured lengthy departures into subjects including a Potomac River golf course and the Kennedy Center. On Monday, he acknowledged the difficulty sitting presidents face in midterm elections and said Republicans had made a strong effort.
The Reflecting Pool renovation cost more than $16 million, but its opening was postponed after paint peeled and algae turned the water from crystal blue to green. The pool measures 2,000 feet, or 610 meters. The administration defended its use of contractors selected without competitive bidding and attributed the problems to vandalism. Prosecutors subsequently retreated from allegations against a person accused of vandalism, and a judge dismissed the case.
During his televised remarks, Trump displayed photographs of the landmark while explaining its new bubblers, pipework and measures to combat algae. He praised the reflective qualities of the fresh paint, particularly in sunlight. He also discussed alleged attempts by vandals to damage the pool without presenting evidence.
Democratic control of Congress would give Trump's opponents the ability to launch broad investigations into him and members of his cabinet. His construction and renovation projects at the White House and on the National Mall could attract scrutiny because many proceeded without congressional approval and have encountered legal challenges.
Trump briefly turned to campaign arguments, describing Democrats as unfit for office and asserting that the United States had won the war with Iran, although talks to end the conflict have continued in recent days. Before finishing, he returned to plans for a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery and an overhaul of East Potomac Golf Links on Washington's riverfront.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: The Jerusalem Post
