President Trump took to Truth Social early Friday to declare the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is 85 percent full and “looking really good,” marking a milestone in the multimillion-dollar renovation project that has faced repeated setbacks.
In a post shared shortly before 1 a.m., Trump also claimed the pool “hasn’t worked properly since 1922,” a sweeping dismissal of its century-long history. He went on to announce that security cameras have been installed around the site to prevent vandalism, particularly in the grassy areas that were previously damaged.
“We have cameras set up to stop any potential Vandalism, including the grassed areas, which were destroyed by chemical poisoning with a large, and very inappropriate, phrase,” Trump wrote, referencing a June incident in which the numbers “86 97” were etched into the ground near the World War II Memorial. The administration interpreted the marking as a threat against the president. “The grass was completely replaced!” he added.
The president’s comments come after he announced earlier this week that security measures were being stepped up. On Monday, he warned potential vandals they could “GO TO JAIL,” stating, “We are watching very closely, and security cameras have been installed. Reports are that it’s looking beautiful, and will only get better, subject to NO VANDALISM, with time.”
The Reflecting Pool is part of Trump’s broader efforts to reshape the nation’s capital. Last October, crews demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for a ballroom, and the president has pushed to attach his name to landmarks such as the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
However, the pool’s renovation has been marred by problems. Shortly after the White House unveiled the new pool in June, visitors spotted green algae forming in the water, and the pool’s “American Flag Blue” base began to peel. The pool was drained again for repairs.
Trump attributed these issues to vandalism and directed the Justice Department to pursue those responsible. But the DOJ later dropped charges against the accused, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn.
The president’s focus on the Reflecting Pool aligns with his administration’s heightened attention to national monuments and public spaces, a theme that has resonated with his base as he continues to invoke emergency powers for domestic priorities. The installation of cameras is the latest step in an ongoing effort to protect federal property, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism from lawmakers and preservationists.
As the pool nears completion, the administration remains on alert for any further incidents. Trump’s late-night update suggests he is closely monitoring the project, which he has framed as a symbol of his commitment to restoring Washington’s iconic landmarks. Whether the pool will remain pristine remains to be seen, but the president has made clear he will not tolerate further damage.
