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President Donald Trump announced the completion of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project, highlighting improvements made to the surrounding area. Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump noted that the pool is now pristine and no longer looks "disgusting." He emphasized his administration's efforts to clean up Washington, DC, and ensure the city's streets are safe.
The project, which involved significant repairs and upgrades, aimed to address longstanding issues with leaks and algae blooms that have plagued the pool for decades. According to The Guardian, the renovation included a no-bid contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia-based company. The pool's floor was repainted "American flag blue" as part of the refurbishment.
Despite the project's completion, it has faced criticism over safety concerns and the bypassing of the usual competitive bidding process. Herbert Zaldivar from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades expressed worries about worker safety and the lack of opportunity for union-affiliated contractors to compete for the contract.
The pool's renovation was part of preparations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. The National Park Service aimed to have the pool ready by July 4, 2026, ensuring it would be a focal point for the celebrations. The project included cleaning, sealing, and repairing leaks, as well as enhancing the pool's reflective quality.
In a C-SPAN interview, President Trump defended the focus on beautifying Washington, DC, stating, "Our country is about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people, not a filthy capital." He reiterated his commitment to maintaining the country's iconic landmarks.