Trump drives across Reflecting Pool to inspect blue coating he ordered
NBC4 Washington • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump made an unannounced visit to the Lincoln Memorial to showcase a new nearly $2 million blue coating applied to the Reflecting Pool, which replaces its previous gray stone color.
- Trump described the original gray color as “never good” and expressed pride in the new “American flag blue” coating, emphasizing the importance of beauty and cleanliness in the nation's capital.
- The president is also considering changes to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s exterior color and mentioned having a “beautiful plan” for the Lincoln Memorial itself, though he provided no details.
- The Reflecting Pool renovation was inspired by complaints from a German visitor about the pool’s dark, filthy appearance, and follows other Trump projects aimed at altering prominent Washington landmarks.
- Critics argue Trump is prioritizing cosmetic projects over pressing issues like the cost of living ahead of the November elections, while Trump defended his focus by linking it to national pride and cleanliness.
