A pool, grass and statues dominated Trump’s final midterms speech, which really kicked Republicans while they were down
A speech focused on repairs
Trump spoke about a pool he called dirty and stagnant, describing past attempts to fix it and the pipes, joints and coating involved. He brought printed pictures of the plumbing.
He also discussed Bermuda grass, replacing light fixtures and granite. The speech moved between detailed descriptions of repairs and remarks that the account portrayed as disjointed.
Election came late
About 24 minutes into the speech, Trump turned to the election. He said the country was booming and urged listeners to consider what would happen if they voted, before warning about what he called extremist ideologies.
He then praised what was behind him and other Washington statues, and described himself as a builder who understood the importance of beauty. Several television stations, including Fox News, cut away and did not return.
Claims and campaign context
The account said Republicans were seeking last-minute help from the president as they campaigned for the midterms. Holly Baxter characterized the speech as unlikely to provide that support.
It also compared a figure associated with Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign trail remarks about wealth held by America’s super-rich with Trump’s claim that more than $22 trillion had been invested in the United States during his second term. The account said Trump’s investment figure had no evidence behind it, while the figure about the super-rich did.
Key points
- Trump spent much of the speech discussing a pool, grass, fixtures and statues.
- He addressed the election about 24 minutes into the speech.
- Several television stations, including Fox News, cut away and did not return.
- The account said Trump’s claim of more than $22 trillion in investment lacked evidence.