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U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprise visit Thursday to review renovations at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, highlighting one of several major projects aimed at reshaping Washington, D.C. The restoration effort is part of Trump’s broader push to leave a lasting visual impact on the nation’s capital.
During the visit, Trump toured the drained reflecting pool and praised the ongoing improvements. He said the project would replace the aging gray stone surface with a durable blue-toned coating designed to resemble a modern swimming pool. According to Trump, the renovated site will look “better than it did in 1922,” the year the iconic memorial feature was completed.
The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington, stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The area has long served as a historic gathering place for public events, protests and national celebrations. The renovation includes draining, cleaning and resurfacing the nearly century-old basin to improve its appearance and durability.
Trump’s visit came amid heightened security concerns following a recent incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where an armed individual allegedly attempted to enter the ballroom before the president’s scheduled appearance. Secret Service agents reportedly secured the heavily visited tourist area ahead of Trump’s arrival.
Earlier this week, Trump said security officials advised against walking directly into the construction zone due to surrounding buildings overlooking the site. Despite the concerns, he proceeded with the inspection and discussed the project with reporters.
Trump previously explained that the renovation was inspired by comments from a German friend who criticized the condition of the reflecting pool, describing the water as dirty and unrepresentative of the United States. Trump also claimed he rejected a federal proposal estimated at $350 million, instead approving a faster $1.9 million renovation expected to be completed in less than two weeks.
