Politics
Trump posts update on Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recovery
A Truth Social post attributed to an Interior Department official says the pool is partially refilled and will reopen soon.
The short version
- President Trump shared an update stating that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will reopen in a few weeks.
- The pool has been partially refilled to allow contractors and National Park Service staff to flush its piping system.
- The project remains a point of contention, with conflicting accounts blaming either vandalism, botched work, or long-term neglect for its previous condition.
Key facts
- President Trump shared a post on Truth Social quoting Greg Wischer, an Interior Department official, who stated the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is 'coming out great' and will reopen in a few weeks.[The Hill]
- The pool has been partially refilled to enable National Park Service staff and contractors to flush out its piping system.[The Hill]
- The post attributed to Wischer blamed years of neglect by prior administrations, claiming that more than half of the 58 water supply ports were clogged and nonfunctioning.[The Hill]
- The multimillion-dollar project has faced scrutiny over its gray and peeling appearance after its expected completion date, as well as the use of no-bid contracts.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- The cause of the pool's poor condition is disputed; Trump and the Interior Department have blamed vandals, whereas a filing from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro blamed botched work.[The Hill]