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How the Reflecting Pool Came to Mirror Trump’s Washington
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- In January, David Schutzenhofer, manager of a Trump Organization golf club, attended the World of Concrete trade show seeking solutions to fix the leaking and algae-ridden Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- Vendors recommended Rodney Jarboe, president of Creative Polymers, who had experience with federal landmarks, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
- Jarboe was informed in March that the project had a tight deadline to be completed by July 4, 2026, the U.S. 250th birthday, with work needing to start by early April.
- The Trump administration initiated a rushed plan to coat the pool with a blue polyurea sheet, a project promised by President Trump to enhance the pool's appearance.
- Despite the effort, the pool was drained and became an object of public ridicule within months, contrary to the initial promises of beautification.
