Trump Administration Finishes Lincoln Pool Renovation, Filling 6.5 Million Gallons by Sunday
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jun 4
Trump Administration Finishes Lincoln Pool Renovation, Filling 6.5 Million Gallons by Sunday
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Jun 4
Summary
Wednesday's court filing said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repaint is complete and the basin will be refilled no later than Sunday.
Trump said the shallow pool was painted "American flag blue" after a German friend called it dark and disgusting; the basin stretches more than 2,000 feet.
Cost estimates conflict: Trump put the work at $1.5 million to $2 million, while records show at least $14.8 million in contracts awarded for the project.
A Washington nonprofit sued last month to halt the "dark grey" makeover as a "theme park" treatment, but no court order has been issued.
The renovation adds to Trump's effort to remake Washington ahead of America 250, even as critics say he is prioritizing pet projects over voter concerns like living costs.