Reflection returns to the National Mall as President Trump defends work on Lincoln Memorial pool

Water is flowing again in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and the basin is once more showing reflections of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, according to images released by the White House and a photo shared by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, per USA Today. The change came after weeks of renovation work that left the pool drained and, for a time, did not match the reflective look often seen from the steps of the memorial.

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President Donald Trump had earlier shown renderings of the project that featured a bright blue pool instead of the familiar reflective surface, prompting questions about the scope of the work. Trump later said the project was not “a paint job” and described the material used as “highly sophisticated” and meant to last for 100 years, according to his Truth Social post reported by The Hill.

Critics question the process

The renovation, which cost about $13.1 million, drew scrutiny from preservation advocates who said the administration bypassed traditional review steps for changes to a historic landmark, as reported by The Hill. According to the report, the Cultural Landscape Foundation sued the administration last month, arguing the pool’s “dark grey, achromatic basin” was part of the site’s design and that the blue paint changed its character without proper authority.

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Court documents that were filed on Wednesday noted that the pool is expected to be refilled by Sunday, June 7, per USA Today. Trump has said multiple times that the project will be finished by Saturday, July 4, when the nation marks its 250th birthday with events planned across the National Mall.

The administration has defended the work as part of efforts to maintain and modernize aging National Mall infrastructure, while Trump also has floated new plans for a promenade linking the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River.