Trump says Reflecting Pool looks 'perfect', praises White House ballroom

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump used the kickoff event for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations to defend two projects that have drawn intense scrutiny in recent weeks - the troubled renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and his planned White House ballroom.

Speaking to supporters on the National Mall on Wednesday night, June 24, Trump delivered a rally-style speech that blended patriotic messaging with praise for his administration’s work in the nation’s capital.

Donald Trump insists Reflecting Pool is recovering after algae controversy

Trump defended the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which reportedly cost more than $14 million and quickly became a source of controversy after the water turned green from algae blooms.

The project also faced criticism after the American flag blue paint covering the basin began chipping away just days after completion.

Despite the backlash, Trump maintained that the landmark was already improving.

"It's been gruesomely vandalized by thugs, bad people, but soon will be looking as beautiful as it looked just two weeks ago. In fact, I looked at it just a little while ago, it looks perfect already, but we're fixing it," he told supporters.

The president also repeated his claim that vandals were responsible for damaging the project.

"The vandals got to it; they've largely been caught and are being prosecuted. We can't let that happen to our country, can't let that happen, but it looks beautiful under the Trump administration," he insisted.

Donald Trump praises planned White House ballroom despite cost concerns

The president also highlighted his proposed White House ballroom project, describing it as the "most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world."

Trump previously said the massive golden ballroom would cost around $400 million and would be funded by private donors.

However, reports later suggested the project's contractor estimated costs could rise to $600 million, with taxpayers potentially covering at least part of the expense.

Even so, Trump showcased the project as part of a larger effort to restore and beautify Washington.

"For many years, our country was ruled by politicians who let America and its capital fall into decline and total disrepair.

The city named in honor of General George Washington was turned into a national disgrace, but not anymore," he said.

Trump also claimed his administration had repaired more than 50 monuments and memorials while cleaning dozens of statues across the city.

America 250 kickoff event mixed patriotism and politics

The event featured military bands, flyovers by F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and a B-2 Stealth Bomber, along with performances from Lee Greenwood and Alexis Wilkins, who sang the national anthem.

Several artists, including Young MC, The Commodores and Martina McBride, reportedly withdrew from the event because of its political tone.

As the lineup changed, Trump leaned into his trademark rally style.

Last month, he joked on Truth Social that he might bring in "the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World" before referring to himself as "the man who some say is the Greatest President in History."

Trump closed Wednesday’s speech with a familiar refrain.

"We will make America powerful again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America healthy again. We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And we will make America great again. Thank you very much. Happy birthday, America," he told the crowd.

The US Marine Band then played "YMCA" as Trump danced onstage, bringing the opening night of the America 250 celebrations to a close.