U.S. President Donald Trump said he would deliver his closing election pitch at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a renovation project plagued by delays and recurring issues, as Election Day nears.
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U.S. President Donald Trump signaled Sunday that he plans to deliver his closing pitch of the midterm elections at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as his administration’s efforts to repair the site keep drawing attention.
Speaking to reporters after deplaning from Air Force One for a rally in Iowa, Trump said his address at the Reflecting Pool would “show how beautiful it is,” and added, “We might hold it tomorrow or something,” without further details.
Trump also posted on his social media site before landing that his Sunday evening rally in Kansas would be his “last stop,” which suggested he would not add additional travel to key states on Monday.
Trump’s comments came as he faced criticism that he has focused too much on construction projects. He has said the renovations relax him and that he does them quickly.
The Reflecting Pool saga began in April, when Trump said he wanted to change its colour and planned to finish repairs within days at an estimated cost of about $1.5 million before Independence Day.
Repairs were completed nearly three months behind schedule and the budget ballooned to more than 10 times the initial estimate. Trump later said in June that the work was complete.
After the overhaul, the pool was reportedly choked with algae blooms and its “American-flag blue” liner began peeling. The pool was drained again for repairs in mid-July.
Trump has said the problems were caused by vandals, while the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia said the issues were caused by shoddy workmanship.
The Justice Department charged former Olympian David Hearn with intentionally damaging the Reflecting Pool, then dropped the case this summer after determining he was not responsible; later, a judge permanently dismissed the case.
In his remarks Sunday, Trump continued to insist the Reflecting Pool “was vandalized badly,” and said that security cameras have been added.
Trump also criticized Jeanine Pirro, saying she “choked,” and that he was “disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed. She folded like an umbrella,” while not indicating he would fire her.
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