Trump Unveils Revamped Reflecting Pool at Lincoln Memorial

President Donald Trump showcased his ambitious renovation of the reflecting pool situated in front of the Lincoln Memorial, a project that has garnered significant attention and investment.

On Friday afternoon, while traveling to Florida, Trump shared images on social media depicting workers applying a vibrant blue coat to the bottom of the expansive 2,000-foot-long pool.

“Initiating the final phase of a renovation initially projected to cost $301 million and span three years, we’ve achieved a remarkable outcome—$2 million in just one week,” he stated on Truth Social, crediting Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and his team for their efforts.

“I undertake many such initiatives for the government, and as President, it is my honor to do so,” he continued. “This is merely one example.”

Alongside the photos, he included a rendering of the pool once it is refilled, captioned: “Coming Soon.”

Earlier that day, Burgum had posted a close-up image of the ongoing work, revealing crews in hard hats inspecting the freshly painted surface within the drained pool, which remains off-limits to the public.

“Thank you @POTUS for investing in our capital,” he expressed on X. “The Reflecting Pool is about to look better than ever!”

The White House has been approached for clarification regarding the overall costs associated with this makeover.

During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump elaborated on his renovation plans, lamenting that the pool—approximately the length of six football fields—“never looked great” due to its stone bottom being unsuitable for prolonged submersion.

Unprompted, he discussed the project for several minutes at a White House event focused on drug price reductions. Initially envisioning a turquoise surface reminiscent of the Bahamas, he ultimately opted for “American flag blue” after a contractor’s suggestion.

Constructed in the early 1920s, the reflecting pool serves as a central feature of the National Mall and undergoes regular draining for maintenance and algae removal.

Trump revealed that the Biden administration had sought bids for a renovation costing $301 million and requiring over three years. In response, he decided to hire a contractor—his “pool guy”—who previously worked on pools at Trump properties. He claimed this approach would result in a renovation timeframe of weeks rather than years, with an estimated cost of around $1.5 million.

This project is just one of many alterations Trump has made or plans to implement in the nation’s capital. Since resuming office, he has paved over the Rose Garden, erected towering flag poles on the White House lawn, and demolished parts of the East Wing to construct an expansive ballroom.

Additionally, he announced intentions to build a grand triumphal arch along the Potomac River and recently boasted about restoring fountains in Lafayette Park adjacent to the White House.