Trump spoke about renovating a pool instead of campaigning before the elections for Republicans

Trump spoke about renovating the fountain instead of a final campaign for Republicans in the run-up to elections While Republicans and Democrats were delivering final messages to voters, Trump skipped traditional pre-election campaigning and directed attention to expensive and problematic work at one of the most famous sites in the US capital. Wearing a white cap with "USA" written on it, Trump admitted that he had spent a significant amount of time tidying up Washington. "We have many big things planned for Washington, and I could talk about the nation, but you don't have enough time for that," he said. In his speech, he announced the official reopening of the fountain, joked that he would like to name it after himself, and reiterated claims that the renovation was the target of vandalism. According to AP, the president claimed that the new blue surface was damaged by vandalism, not poor workmanship. Reflecting Pool, a long and narrow pool at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, is one of Washington's most recognizable landmarks. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech from the memorial steps overlooking the pool in 1963. The pool became the subject of Trump's attention over the summer, and he talked about the project on social media, in the White House, and other occasions. After the renovation, algae appeared, and the blue coating began to peel and float in pieces. The Department of Justice charged former Olympian David Hearn with intentional damage, but the case was later dismissed after it was determined that he was not responsible. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance conducted a more traditional campaign in New York and Ohio, where Republicans were defending seats in the House and Senate. Trump had nine phone calls scheduled for Republican candidates on Monday. Democrats used the last 24 hours to hold rallies in areas long dominated by Republicans, trying to capitalize on dissatisfaction with high prices, the consequences of Trump's war with Iran, and historical trends that often favor the opposition in midterm elections. In Michigan, efforts were made to limit damage after Haley Stevens, who lost her party primary, supported Republican Mike Rogers instead of Democratic candidate Abdullah El-Sayed.