President Donald Trump stepped up to the podium in a "USA" cap at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on November 2 and announced he was "thrilled" to declare it officially open. The pool had been closed for a multimillion-dollar overhaul earlier this year that included a coating in what Trump calls "American flag blue," new pipes, and leak repairs. The road back was bumpy. Algae blooms, peeling sealant, and claims of vandalism caused delays, and the pool was only refilled after final repairs in October. The timing was hard to miss, since the ceremony came one day before the midterm elections.

Trump used the event to show off Washington restoration projects, hitting out at past administrations for letting the city fall into disrepair and holding up before-and-after photos as proof. He also joked about renaming the pool after himself, then made clear he wasn't serious. Not everyone is cheering. Reports show the project cost far more than the $1.5 million to $2 million Trump has cited, with records showing more than $14 million in contracts, and critics have questioned both the price tag and the dark blue look. With the polls opening the very next day, the big question is whether voters will see a gleaming landmark or a very expensive pool party.