Trump says restored fountains in DC are reawakening city’s 'beauty and charm' after years of neglect
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump, on Wednesday, May 20, said ongoing restoration work on fountains and public spaces across Washington, DC, would help restore the city’s “Beauty, Elegance, and Charm,” as he informed that more than 20 “decades old” fountains had already been repaired and reopened with the help of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
He also highlighted the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, describing it as the most significant part of the project. Trump said the work would be completed before the Fourth of July, when the United States will mark its 250th anniversary.
"So far, over 20 have been revitalized, and fixed, looking better than the day they were built, many years ago. We have some left, some were in very bad and difficult condition, but we will get them all done in a short time. D.C. is being reawakened as to its Beauty, Elegance, and Charm," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump highlights Reflecting Pool and Lafayette Park renovations
Trump described the Reflecting Pool as “the ‘Granddaddy’ of them all,” while criticizing previous repair efforts carried out under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He said the structure had experienced longstanding issues since opening in 1922, including leaks and maintenance problems.
“It leaked from all angles, drew dirt, grime, and decay, was often filled with garbage,” the Republican leader wrote, adding that the renovated pool would be “far better than it has ever been.” He said the project scope had expanded because of durability and quality concerns, including work involving stone and granite around the water feature.
Trump also pointed to ongoing work at Lafayette Park, saying he has made a "major contribution toward it." "The Fountains are now working, and look magnificent as the Park is being entirely rebuilt, using far better and more beautiful materials than originally used," he wrote.
The announcement follows Trump’s recent proposal for a National Garden of American Heroes in West Potomac Park, which he said would feature statues honoring historical American figures, including military leaders, civil rights figures, athletes, and artists.
Reflecting Pool project draws both support and legal opposition
Trump’s restoration push has continued to draw attention from both supporters and critics as work progresses on the Reflecting Pool and other landmarks across Washington, DC. Supporters of the president have praised the effort as part of a broader push to renovate public spaces in the capital, while preservation and environmental groups have raised concerns over the project’s impact on the historic site.
The challenge came after nonprofit organization The Cultural Landscape Foundation filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt the Reflecting Pool renovation. The group argues that the National Park Service moved ahead with the project without completing consultation processes required under federal environmental and historic preservation laws.
The lawsuit specifically challenges plans to repaint the basin in what Trump has described as “American flag blue,” arguing that the changes would alter the historic appearance and design of the memorial grounds.
According to the complaint, the project “will fundamentally alter the visual and experiential character of the pool and the broader Lincoln Memorial Grounds landscape.” Federal officials, meanwhile, have defended the renovation effort, saying the work is intended to improve the Reflecting Pool ahead of events marking the US’ 250th birthday.
