Trump declares Reflecting Pool 'finished' on final day before midterms

President Donald Trump declared the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool "finished" during a speech on Monday, marking the final day before the midterm elections.

The president used the reopening of the pool as a platform to address the nation. He stood before a lectern displaying an aerial image of the water feature with the caption "Back, and more beautiful than ever!" Signs behind him read "Restoring Our Capitol" and "The Reflecting Pool."

During the ceremony, Trump joked that he would rename the pool after himself. He attributed the previous damage to vandals, a characterization that contrasts with his admission in court that shoddy renovations he commissioned caused the pool's shuttering.

The president devoted twenty minutes to his Washington, D.C., construction projects. He then shifted focus to Tuesday's vote, describing it as potentially the most important midterm election in the country's lifetime.

Trump characterized his political opponents as extremists. He stated that Democrats had "nominated the most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history." This message comes as public frustration over inflation and the decision to launch the Iran war has improved Democratic prospects for controlling both chambers of Congress.

The president acknowledged the historical trend that sitting presidents often struggle in midterm elections. "For some reason, the sitting president doesn't win the midterms," Trump said. "But we gave this a very strong shot." He cited the nation's secure borders and large income tax cuts as key achievements.

According to the White House, Trump is scheduled to participate in seven additional tele-rallies in the afternoon and into the evening.