In brief
On Monday, President Donald Trump reopened the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after months of repairs, staging a ‑themed closing ceremony on the eve of the November 3 midterm elections. He announced a $5,000 pledge to every adult if Republicans win, claimed the U.S. had won a war with Iran, and unveiled plans for a new drone‑capable military complex. Reuters noted the renovation had been delayed by peeling paint and algae growth.
On Monday, 2026‑11‑03, former President Donald Trump reopened the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after months of repairs, using the ceremony as a rallying point for his campaign on the eve of the mid‑term elections scheduled for November 3.
“I’m thrilled to announce the official opening of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool,” Trump said during remarks at the site, noting that his administration had completed the work at a significantly lower cost after the pool had suffered from leaks, algae and vandalism.
Trump reiterated a pledge offered earlier this year: “If we win the election, everybody is going to get $5,000. Every adult is going to get $5,000. But you have to spend it in the United States of America.”
Turning to foreign policy, he declared, “We had a war with Iran. We won,” adding that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran had sought a cease‑fire of its targets on U.S. officials.
Trump also announced plans for a new military installation, calling it a “Triumphal Arc Military Complex” near Arlington Memorial Bridge, which he described as “going to have tremendous drone capability.”
Reuters reports that the more-than‑$16 million renovation of the 2,000‑foot pool was delayed by peeling paint and algae growth, delaying the opening of the project.
