Trump completes renovation of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is finished, writing “All work is complete!” and describing the new surface as a “Dark Blue” basin filled with “CLEAN, BEAUTIFUL WATER.” The renovation involved repainting the historic basin a shade Trump dubbed “American flag blue” and applying an industrial‑grade liner, bringing the project cost to about $13 million, far below earlier estimates of over $300 million. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgur inspected the pool during the final phase.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued, claiming the administration bypassed required historic‑preservation reviews and that the new color alters the pool’s original design. A federal court filing confirmed the resurfacing was completed early and that water would begin refilling no later than June 7, 2026. Trump also used the announcement to promote future plans, including a “Trump Promenade,” a “Triumphal Arch,” and a “White House Ballroom.” Recent photographs show water flowing back into the newly painted pool.