Trump wraps up midterms campaign with bizarre defense of Lincoln Memorial pool renovation

Donald Trump closed his midterm campaign in Washington by defending repairs to the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool, making the renovation the focus of a rally on the eve of voting. The choice drew attention because polls pointed to voter concerns over the economy, fuel prices and immigration, while Trump’s approval rating was at a low and Republicans faced the prospect of losing control of Congress.

Trump highlighted photographs of the work, including new pipes and sealing and painting, despite the pool turning green again after reopening and continuing to face criticism. The event followed 28 rallies across nine Republican states in a month; 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats were at stake, and the article said only six previous midterms had seen the president’s party lose both chambers.