Overview
- Trump inspected the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday, rode across the drained basin, and took questions for about 30 minutes as Secret Service cleared the area for security.
- The project replaces the pool’s gray stone bottom with an industrial blue coating that Trump calls “American flag blue,” and he says the work will cost about $1.8–$1.9 million and finish in under two weeks.
- Pressed by ABC’s Rachel Scott on why he is prioritizing beautification during the Iran war and high gas prices, Trump called it a “stupid question” and insulted the reporter as video without audio later fueled disputed lip‑reading claims.
- U.S. Park Police said workers recently found large “8647” graffiti inside the drained pool, and officers secured the site and began an investigation and cleanup.
- The visit is part of a broader beautification drive that includes other D.C. projects, with right-leaning outlets highlighting cost and speed and left-leaning outlets focusing on the insults and the pool’s bright, swimming‑pool look.