President Donald Trump conducted an unannounced visit to the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday to inspect the Reflecting Pool, which has been treated with a new coating the president describes as “American flag blue.”
During the visit, the Republican president was driven across the new surface in his SUV before exiting the vehicle to provide a statement and take questions from reporters. He was joined by several Cabinet secretaries, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
A Focus on Aesthetics and Cleanliness
The renovation project, which cost nearly $2 million, was designed to cover the pool’s gray stone, a color Trump characterized as “never good.”
“It never had the color people wanted, but now it’s going to have the great color,” Trump said while standing in the pool.
The president stated that the decision to renovate was inspired by a friend visiting from Germany, who had described the pool’s water as “dark, filthy, and looked disgusting.” Trump emphasized that the project involved removing several truckloads of garbage from the pool, asserting, “Our country is about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people. Not a filthy capital.”
Broader Renovation Efforts
The Reflecting Pool is part of a wider pattern of aesthetic changes pursued by the president in Washington, D.C. Other projects include:
- The Eisenhower Executive Office Building: Trump previously described the gray granite exterior of this building as a “really disappointing color” and has proposed covering it in white paint. This proposal is currently being reviewed by two federal agencies.
- The Lincoln Memorial: Trump indicated he is working on the memorial itself, stating, “we have a lovely plan” in mind, though he provided no specific details.
- The White House East Wing: The president previously oversaw the demolition of the East Wing to facilitate the construction of a large ballroom.
an underground visitors’ center at the memorial is scheduled to open in June following several years of work.
Criticism and Political Friction
The president’s focus on these projects has drawn criticism. Some detractors have argued that Trump is dedicating too much attention to “pet projects” rather than addressing issues such as the cost of living as the November elections approach. Other critics have suggested the new blue coating makes the reflecting pool resemble a swimming pool.
When questioned by a reporter regarding his focus on the pool amidst U.S. Military action in Iran, Trump defended the work. “We’re fixing up the reflecting pond to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and you say, ‘Why are you fixing it up?’” Trump said. “Because you can understand dirt maybe better than I can, but I don’t allow it.”
Potential Next Steps
As two federal agencies continue to review the proposal for the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a decision on the white paint may be reached in the coming months. The president’s mentioned “beautiful plan” for the Lincoln Memorial could lead to additional modifications of the site.