Trump focuses on Reflecting Pool in final public speech before midterms

President Donald Trump delivered his final public speech before the midterm elections, focusing remarks on the Reflecting Pool while appearing to concede that Democrats held an advantage heading into Election Day, saying "But we gave this a very strong shot." The address came as polls showed Democrats favored to make gains, with Trump's political party facing historical headwinds in midterm contests. The speech underscores the administration's efforts to energize its base in the closing days of the campaign, with control of Congress—and the policy implications for taxes, regulation and government spending—hanging in the balance. Investors will be watching election outcomes for signals on fiscal policy, trade and regulatory direction, with market participants weighing the implications of divided government versus one-party control. Attention now turns to Election Day results and the composition of the next Congress, which will shape the legislative agenda heading into 2026.