Trump discusses D.C. construction projects in final midterm speech

President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday, November 2, 2026, focusing on various construction and renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The speech served as his final scheduled in-person appearance before the Tuesday midterm elections.

Construction and Beautification Projects

During the nearly one-hour speech, President Trump spent a significant portion of his remarks discussing the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. "Today I’m thrilled to announce the official opening of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool," Trump said. He stated, "The pool is now better and more beautiful than it’s ever been before, and we’re very proud of it."

Trump also discussed several other proposed or ongoing projects in the capital, including:

• The construction of a "massive triumphal arch" in Washington.
• Plans to build a promenade along the Potomac River.
• The creation of a "National Garden of American Heroes," which he said would comprise "250 to 500 great American heroes in statue form."
• A redesign of the East Potomac Golf Course.

Midterm Election Remarks

President Trump addressed the upcoming elections, calling them "the most important midterm, I believe, in our lifetime." He criticized the Democratic Party, stating, "The Democrat Party has nominated the most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history."

He also made several claims regarding the political landscape and economic outcomes:

• He claimed that if Republicans win, "everybody is going to get $5,000."
• He noted that "the sitting president doesn’t win the midterms" but stated, "we gave this a very strong shot."
• He claimed his administration's policies were responsible for drops in crime in Washington, D.C. and Memphis, Tennessee.

Administration and Legal Context

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spoke for approximately 10 minutes following the president, stating, "this city is cleaner, safer than it ever has been, and it is a model for every American city."

Regarding the Reflecting Pool, Trump repeated claims that vandals were responsible for damaging the pool and delaying repairs. However, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro told a court on July 31 that the damage was caused by a contractor’s botched installation.

Why it matters

The speech comes as voters prepare to determine which party will control the House and Senate in the next Congress. While some predict Democrats will win control of the House, the outcome of the Senate remains uncertain.

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Sources

• cnbc.com: Trump focuses on Reflecting Pool in final public speech before election
• washingtonexaminer.com: Trump spends half of final midterm speech talking about the Reflecting Pool

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.