Trump raises Reflecting Pool renovation cost to under $20 million amid lawsuit

President Donald Trump told reporters that the Reflecting Pool renovation in Washington, D.C., will now cost “less than $20 million,” after he ordered exterior repairs in addition to the interior work he had originally said would cost $1.8‑$3 million. Federal records show the project’s price tag has risen to about $13.1 million, and Trump said he aims to complete the work before July 4, using a dark‑blue “American Flag Blue” paint that he says reflects the national flag.

A nonprofit, the Cultural Landscape Foundation, has sued to halt the work, arguing the project violates federal historic‑preservation and environmental‑review laws. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, heard the case and said any harm would be “reparable and temporary,” indicating reluctance to issue an injunction at this time.