Trump plans closing election pitch at the Reflecting Pool after troubled revamp

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he plans to deliver a closing midterm election message at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, putting his delayed, costly, and troubled restoration project back into the spotlight as Election Day approaches.Speaking to reporters after deplaning from Air Force One before a rally in Iowa, Trump said that holding an event at the landmark would "show how beautiful it is.""We might hold it tomorrow or something," Trump added without offering specific details. In a social media message posted prior to landing, Trump said his Sunday evening rally in Kansas—following his stop in Iowa— "Will be my last stop."This statement suggests that rather than traveling on Monday to key swing states to energize his "Make America Great Again" base as Republicans attempt to preserve their congressional majorities, Trump could instead choose an event at a Washington renovation site that has proved both contentious and embarrassing.A sign explaining the restoration work at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is displayed on a fence surrounding the area Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)The decision would represent a shift from Trump's month-long strategy of hosting more than 25 rallies in primarily conservative areas. Republicans are hoping to overcome his low approval ratings alongside polling indicating that the Iran war, elevated energy costs, and rising living expenses could result in significant gains for Democrats on election night.Throughout his rallies, Trump has frequently spoken about his second-term goal of reshaping the White House and the surrounding nation's capital to mirror his personal aesthetic. His plans have included adding gold touches to the Oval Office, tearing down the East Wing to build a large ballroom, transforming the Rose Garden into a patio reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate, and constructing a large helipad on the South Lawn.Additionally, he closed the Kennedy Center after failing to append his name to the venue, outlined plans for a massive arch on the city's outskirts, and pushed to renovate a century-old municipal golf course.Trump has dismissed criticism from former President Barack Obama and other Democrats who argue he spends excessive time on construction projects, maintaining that renovations help him relax and that he executes them quickly without needing lengthy planning periods.Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Five Flags Event Center, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Dubuque, Iowa (AP)Trump initially asserted that the Reflecting Pool repair would be fast and inexpensive. The project began in April when Trump expressed a desire to change the pool's color, claiming he would hire familiar contractors to complete the work in a matter of days for around $1.5 million before Independence Day.However, the repairs were completed nearly three months late, with the overall budget expanding to more than ten times Trump's initial estimate—assuming no further work is required in the future.Trump had declared the project finished in June. Yet shortly after the redesign was unveiled, the pool became filled with algae blooms, and its "American-flag blue" liner started peeling off in sections. The pool was promptly drained again for further repairs in mid-July.While Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for the setbacks, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia—headed by former Fox News host and long-time Trump ally Jeanine Pirro—stated the issues were caused by shoddy workmanship.Workers re-coat the base of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on September 08, 2026 in Washington, DC (Getty)In his comments on Sunday, Trump stood by his assertion that the Reflecting Pool "was vandalized badly," adding that security cameras have since been installed to prevent further damage.The situation was further complicated when the Justice Department charged former Olympian David Hearn with intentionally damaging the site, only to drop the case abruptly this summer after determining he was not responsible.A judge later permanently dismissed the charges.The outcome led Trump to complain that Pirro "choked," stating he was "disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed. She folded like an umbrella"—though he stopped short of removing her from office.