From Mother Jones · Dan Friedman · · 1m
Trump's Midterm Speech Focuses on Algae
Trump's final pre-election speech highlights algae repairs and garden projects amid voter concerns.
In brief
Trump's final pre-election speech highlights algae repairs and garden projects amid voter concerns. Trump used his last speech before midterms to discuss algae removal from the Reflecting Pool and expanding a statue garden, despite polls showing voters care more about economic issues and Iran. Originally reported by…
Trump's Final Speech
President Trump spoke at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool before midterms.
Algae and Pool Repairs
Trump claimed algae in the pool was vanquished after multiple presidential administrations.
“the algae that have plagued the pool through several presidential administrations is at last vanquished”
Pool Repair Contract
Trump used a $15 million no-bid contract for pool repairs without contractor oversight.
“a no-bid $15 million contract”
National Garden Expansion
Trump announced the National Garden of American Heroes grew from 250 to 500 statues.
“the number of statues has grown to 500”
Legal Challenges
Federal court blocked the garden project due to lack of congressional approval.
“the administration has not completed decision-making on the garden”
Election Strategy
Trump criticized Democrats as communists and called for a "little bit of apple pie" over jihadist threats.
“a little bit of apple pie”
Economic Claims
Trump attributed recent oil price drops to US military actions in Venezuela.
“the seizure of Venezuela’s oil wealth following the US military takeover in January 2026”
At a glance
Trump used his last speech before midterms to discuss algae removal from the Reflecting Pool and expanding a statue garden, despite polls showing voters care more about economic issues and Iran.
