Trump threatens lawsuits against ABC network for reporting on Reflecting Pool
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue ABC for its reporting on the escalating costs of repairing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, accusing the network of omitting prior maintenance expenses by Obama and Biden administrations.
- Trump claimed without evidence that Obama and Biden spent over $100 million on the pool, while PBS reported Obama's administration spent around $35 million; no major repairs are known under Biden.
- Trump alleged vandalism caused the damage, describing a "350-foot slit" cut with a knife, and noted at least five arrests related to the incident, though no official evidence has been provided.
- ABC reported repair costs exceeding $14.65 million, surpassing initial estimates by over $4 million, including a $1.74 million no-bid contract for an algae-killing system, bringing total project costs above $16 million.
- The dispute occurs amid FCC investigations into ABC, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, including demands for early renewal of local broadcast licenses following controversial remarks about the Trump family by comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
