From Slate Magazine · Molly Olmstead · · 1m 10s
Trump's Midterm Speech on Pool Plumbing
Trump's speech on Lincoln Memorial pool leaks hints at Republican congressional losses.
In brief
Trump's speech on Lincoln Memorial pool leaks hints at Republican congressional losses. Trump's speech on pool plumbing reflects Republican congressional losses. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Trump's Pool Speech
Trump spoke at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday afternoon.
“Very special place, the Lincoln Memorial. Behind us, it’s been something that, uh, for a long time, generations, they’ve looked at what’s behind me. From 1922. And believe it or not, it’s never worked.”
Pool Leaks and Algae
Trump highlighted leaks, algae blooms, and pipe corrosion in the Reflecting Pool.
“This is a massive piece of pool. There’s never been anything like it. It’s the biggest anywhere in the world by far.”
Blame on Previous Administrations
Trump blamed Obama and Biden for defective expansion joints in the pool.
“He held up a photo of trashed expansion joints, which he called 'defective' and blamed on Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.”
Pool Color and Architecture
Trump discussed the blue color of the pool lining and its architectural history.
“He shared photos of algae to show where previous administrations had failed to properly care for the water.”
Shift to Political Topics
Trump moved to political topics after 17 minutes of pool discussion.
“He pulled out blown-up photos of the pipes to illustrate age-related damage.”
Republican Campaign Boost
Trump's speech was expected to boost Republican candidates but did not.
“If you were a Republican in a tight race hoping for a last-minute campaign boost from the president, this was perhaps not an ideal way for this speech to go.”
Midterm Election Reference
Trump mentioned the midterm elections for the first time at 23 minutes into his speech.
“As you know it’s the last day before the midterm elections.”
Pool Projects and D.C. Grass
Trump bragged about park renovations and claimed D.C. grass needs less frequent replacement.
“Does Trump know that D.C. has no voting member in Congress and that there’s no competitive federal election in the district?”
Political Claims
Trump accused Abdul El-Sayed of being a jihadist and claimed Democrats wanted to mutilate children.
“He accused Abdul El-Sayed of being a jihadist and claimed that Democrats wanted to mutilate children.”
The main idea
Trump's speech on pool plumbing reflects Republican congressional losses.
