WASHINGTON (AP) — Water began refilling the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday, President Donald Trump announced from the Oval Office. Trump showed a video during an unrelated event with water bubbling into the freshly painted basin at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. “That’s clean, beautiful water,” the president said.
Work continues on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is covered in a blue protective coating, ahead of the United States 250th anniversary, Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Live video showed water accumulating in the center of the basin, with workers and trucks still inside the pool.Trump noted the work to paint the shallow basin a deep shade, which he calls “American flag blue,” was completed on Wednesday. The administration said in a court filing that it was set to be filled with water no later than Sunday. Trump has put the cost of the work on the pool at $1.5 million to $2 million, but records show that at least $14.8 million worth of contracts have been awarded for the project. The president announced the work in April during an unrelated Oval Office appearance, saying he was inspired by complaints from a friend visiting from Germany who called the pool dark and disgusting.
