Download Our App
Live Midterm Election Coverage: The Fight for Congress
Panicked Republicans asked 'if that was a joke' upon hearing Trump's final plans: report

Workers prepare a lectern for US President Donald Trump to deliver remarks at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, newly reopened after being fenced off for months of repairs, on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, November 2, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Panicked Republicans asked 'if that was a joke' upon hearing Trump's final plans: report

Republicans were blindsided by Donald Trump’s decision to make his final address before the midterm election at the Washington Mall Reflecting Pool and were contacting MS NOW’s Jonathan Lemire in disbelief.

During his appearance on “Morning Joe,” Lemire reported that his phone lit up with texts from Republicans who were stunned by the news.

“When the White House advised that his final speech of the cycle would be at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a couple of Republican strategists texted me and wanted to know if that was a joke, because it just leans in on everything that has gone wrong for this president,” he told the panel.

"All the criticism that he has lost his feel for what voters actually care about, he dismisses affordability as a hoax. He has broken his promises on things like wars and immigration, and has been consumed with renovating the White House,” he added.

“Why would he do this?“ co-host Joe Scarborough asked. “What are they saying inside of the White House, other than we have absolutely no control over this man and his message?”

“Well, that's part of it. He decides what he wants to talk about,” Lemire replied. “And he is very upset to this day as to how the Reflecting Pool saga played out over the summer. He still, even yesterday, suggested there was acts of vandalism where there.”

- YouTube youtu.be

Report typos and corrections to corrections@rawstory.com.

For customer support contact support@rawstory.com.

Top Stories Recommended For You

YOUR OPINION MATTERS

Should Elon Musk be investigated for spreading midterm misinformation?

VOTE NOW
Should Elon Musk be investigated for spreading midterm misinformation?