By Salma El-Sakka
Jon Stewart walked off his show's set Monday after watching President Donald Trump's final midterm campaign speech, which devoted over 20 minutes to the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Trump's Unconventional Closing Argument
Trump spoke at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday, the day before the midterm elections. He spent more than 20 minutes discussing the delayed and costly restoration project, showing photographs of corroded pipes and old joints. He claimed to have kept every promise he made, "except far more."
Stewart's Reaction
Stewart played clips on The Daily Show, expressing disbelief at the president's focus. He noted the historic significance of the location, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Stewart mocked Trump's remarks about algae, paint jobs, and cracked granite, calling it "pool maintenance." He walked off stage saying "Good night, everyone," then returned to elaborate that the speech showed "no symbolism, no metaphors, just straight up pool maintenance."
Midterm Context
The midterms are widely seen as a referendum on Trump's second term. Key Senate races in states Trump won in 2024 — including Alaska, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, and Iowa — are competitive. Republicans are also fighting to hold battleground House districts won by Trump in 2024.
