Promises, promises, promises

Trump made a number of public promises about the reconstruction of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Here are the principal ones that were widely reported:

• • It would be completed quickly. Trump initially said the resurfacing and repairs would take about a week, emphasizing that the work would be done rapidly.
  • It would cost less than $2 million. Early estimates from the administration put the project at approximately $2 million. Later reporting found that the cost grew to about $14.7 million.
  • The pool would be resurfaced in “American Flag Blue.” Trump personally selected the blue coating, saying it would improve the appearance and better reflect the sky.
  • The new surface would fix leaks and waterproof the pool. The project was promoted as replacing or repairing deteriorated joints and providing a durable waterproof lining.
  • The renovation would solve the algae problem. Trump described the new materials and filtration approach as using the “latest and greatest” technology to eliminate the recurring algae blooms that had plagued the pool.
  • The finished pool would be beautiful and long-lasting. Trump repeatedly characterized the renovated pool as a showcase project for America’s 250th anniversary, and in one widely circulated statement claimed it would last 100 years.
  • After problems developed, Trump promised to repair them quickly. When the blue coating peeled and the pool developed algae, Trump said the damage was caused by vandals and promised that after the July 4 celebrations the pool would be drained, repaired, and restored to looking “as good as it was two weeks ago.”

The contrast between those promises and subsequent events has been a major focus of news coverage.

And by the way, Trump just said he would use the same no-bid contractors again because “they did a fantastic job.” (In Trump-speak, “fantastic” is the same as “fantasy.”)

Are you surprised that Trump says one thing, backtracks and says another thing, and then backtracks again and says still another thing, all the while never admitting he is wrong about anything? 

If you are surprised, you must be a MAGA. or simply not paying attention. His promises are like smoke. They disappear the moment they are made. For instance: 

Date	Statement	Context

June 13

“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.”

Following Israel’s initial strikes, Trump urged Iran to negotiate mediately.

June 13

“The attacks will only get more brutal.”

Warning that additional Israeli attacks would be more                                        destructive if Iran refused a nuclear agreement.

June 13

“We gave them 60 days… today is day 61.”

He linked the Israeli operation to the expiration of his negotiation deadline.

June 18

“I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”

Referring to possible U.S. military intervention.

June 19

“I’ll make my decision within the next two weeks.”

Announcement, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, that he would decide whether to attack Iran. The strikes occurred two days later.

June 21

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran.”

Truth Social announcement immediately after the U.S. strikes.

June 21

“A spectacular military success.”

Opening line of his televised address to the nation.

June 21

“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

His strongest characterization of the damage inflicted.

June 21

“NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”

Posted immediately after announcing the attacks.

June 21

“Any retaliation… will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”

Warning to Iran after the strikes.

Late June

“The nuclear program has been set back decades.”

Repeated claim defending the effectiveness of the operation.

June 27

“You got beat to hell.”

Directed at Iran’s Supreme Leader after Tehran claimed victory.

June 27

“I would absolutely” bomb Iran again.

Said he would authorize another strike if Iran resumed high-level uranium enrichment

One thing that stands out in this episode is his repeated use of superlatives—”spectacular,” “completely and totally obliterated,” “very successful.”

And yet, here we are, in far worse position than before Trump started the war he promised he never would start: We have no agreement; Iran now controls the Strait vs. having an agreement and having free passage through the Strait. And this cost us America lives, Iranian lives, billions of dollars, an inflation, the trust of any other nation, and a severe depletion of our weaponry.

This is what Trump claims is a “fantastic” success.

China and Russia must be laughing.

Rodger Malcolm Mitchell

Source: https://mythfighter.com/2026/07/11/promises-promises-promises/