Trump snaps at reporter over ‘stupid question’ on cleaning Lincoln Memorial pond during war
.@POTUS destroys ABC Fake News reporter: "It's such a stupid question that you ask. We're fixing up the Reflecting Pond to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and you say, 'Why are you fixing it up?' Because you can understand dirt maybe better than I can—but I don't… pic.twitter.com/xAFyx8eLiP
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 8, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, May 7, dismissed ABC News' reporter’s question as a "such a stupid question," after being asked why he was focusing on cleaning the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a war.
Speaking from the renovation site, Trump argued that removing "11 or 12 truckloads of filth" was a necessary step in restoring the dignity and beauty of the nation's capital.
Trump rejects criticism of project timing
During a visit to the National Mall to inspect the renovation site, President Trump was confronted by a reporter who asked why he was prioritizing beautification projects while there's a war ongoing.
Trump immediately pushed back, labeling the inquiry "stupid" and framing the restoration of the capital as a matter of national character.
"It's such a stupid question, you ask," Trump said, addressing the reporter directly.
"We're fixing up the reflecting pond to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and you say, Why are you fixing it up? Because you can understand dirt maybe better than I can, but I don't allow it."
He further criticized the media's perspective, adding, "This is one of the worst reporters. She's with ABC fake news, and she's a horror show. She's saying, Why would you go on the fixing this up? Why would I bother taking 11 or 12 truckloads of filth out of the water in front of the Lincoln Monument? That's what made our country great. Beauty made our country, people made our country great. A question like that is a disgrace to our country."
Restoring the 'disgusting' reflecting pool
Furthermore, President Trump explained that the project was a response to years of neglect that had left the historic site in a "disgusting" state.
He insisted that the cleanup was not a luxury, but a necessity to keep the country "beautiful and safe," noting that he noticed the "dirt" even if others chose to ignore it.
Trump detailed the massive effort required to clear the site, which had become a repository for garbage over several years.
"And you walk down this pond. If you would've walked down, they'll tell you better than everybody. They had to take 11 or 12 truckloads of garbage out of that lake out of that water and that sat there for years like that," Trump said.
He concluded by asserting that his administration would not tolerate a "filthy capital," stating, "And that's not what our country's about. Our country is about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people, not a filthy capital."
