President Donald Trump has declared that the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial will be coated with an industrial-grade paint in the shade of "American Flag Blue." He confirmed that the project was already underway at the time of his announcement.
The initiative will cover the decades-old granite that currently lines the pool's bottom, which was originally installed in 1923. According to CBS News, Trump mentioned that the idea came after a German friend visiting Washington remarked that the water appeared dirty.
Initially, Trump considered painting it turquoise, "like in the Bahamas," but a contractor suggested the more fitting American flag blue as an alternative.
The painting project is estimated to cost around $1.5 million, with completion anticipated in about a week. The goal is to have it finished before July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence.
Trump also justified the decision on financial grounds: replacing the granite would have cost approximately $301 million and taken at least three years, according to his own calculations.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly supported the project by posting on X a photograph showing a worker applying the blue coating with the Lincoln Memorial in the background, accompanied by the message: "Renovations are underway! Thanks to the President for investing in our capital. The Reflecting Pool is about to look better than ever!"
Back in 2012, the pool underwent a major $34 million renovation, which included a new water supply system with ozone filtration, replacement of walkways, and improved lighting. Since then, it has only received minor repairs and periodic cleanings to remove algae and debris.
This project is part of a series of renovation and construction endeavors spearheaded by the Trump administration in Washington D.C., in preparation for the 250th anniversary celebrations known as America250.
Among these projects is the controversial renovation of the White House's East Wing, which includes a privately funded $400 million state ballroom. Donors include Meta, Apple, Google, and Amazon, and it was approved by the National Capital Planning Commission by a vote of eight to one on April 2.
The administration also announced the construction of a 250-foot-tall Arch of Triumph—more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial itself—situated between the Lincoln statue and Arlington Cemetery. It will feature a winged victory figure atop and golden lions at its base.
Constructed in the 1920s and designed by Henry Bacon, the Reflecting Pool measures 618 meters in length and 51 meters in width. It stands as one of the most iconic settings in the U.S. capital, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.
Key Details About the Reflecting Pool Renovation
Why is the Reflecting Pool being painted American Flag Blue?
President Trump decided to paint the Reflecting Pool in American Flag Blue after a suggestion from a contractor. The decision was also influenced by a comment from a German friend who noted the water looked dirty.
What is the estimated cost and timeline for the project?
The project is expected to cost around $1.5 million and is anticipated to be completed in about a week, with the aim to finish before July 4, 2026.
What other renovations are planned for the 250th anniversary celebrations?
Other projects include the renovation of the East Wing of the White House with a new state ballroom and the construction of a 250-foot-tall Arch of Triumph with a winged victory figure and golden lions.