Donald Trump drives Washington park makeover, painting Reflecting Pool blue

Former President Donald Trump visited the National Mall and ordered the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool replastered in a hue he called “American flag blue.” He claimed the renovation cost was cut to $1.9 million from an earlier $350 million estimate. Trump also floated converting the East Potomac Park public golf course into a “U.S. Open‑caliber” venue and proposed painting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white at a taxpayer cost of at least $7.5 million.

Preservation groups sued after lead‑contaminated debris from the White House East Wing demolition was found at East Potomac Park, prompting the nonprofit that runs the course to continue operations until the National Park Service begins a historic restoration. Critics note the projects are proceeding while the United States is engaged in military actions against Iran, and point to high fuel prices and cost‑of‑living concerns. A Washington Post‑ABC News‑Ipsos poll found 52 % of Americans oppose Trump’s planned triumphal arch, while 51 % of Republicans back it. Trump defended his focus, saying, “Our country is about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people. Not a filthy capital.” Historian Julian Zelizer warned that the president was allocating limited capital amid war and economic instability.