President Trump on Friday shared a progress report on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, quoting an Interior Department official who said the renovation is “coming out great” and that the pool will reopen within weeks. The update, posted on Truth Social, was attributed to Greg Wischer, an Interior official, who said he visited the pool that morning and included photos showing the water reflecting the American flag.
Wischer’s statement, as relayed by Trump, said the pool is “be opening in a few weeks. Will be a beauty. NO VANDALS PLEASE.” He also noted that the pool has been partially refilled so that National Park Service staff and contractors can flush the piping system.
The condition of the Reflecting Pool has become a flashpoint in recent weeks. Trump has repeatedly touted the multi-million dollar renovation project, but after its expected completion date, the pool appeared gray and peeling, drawing criticism and scrutiny.
Much of the controversy centers on the use of no-bid contracts for the work, which has raised questions about transparency and oversight. The president and the Interior Department have blamed vandals for the pool’s deteriorated state, but a recent court filing from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro cast doubt on that explanation, suggesting the damage was due to botched workmanship rather than intentional sabotage.
In his latest post, Trump shifted blame to previous administrations, writing: “After years of neglect by previous administrations, more than half of the 58 water supply ports were so clogged that they were deemed nonfunctioning. This work is ongoing. We waited until after July 4th to do. Coming out great!”
The dispute over the pool’s condition has become part of a broader pattern of the administration’s handling of public works projects, with critics pointing to potential mismanagement. The no-bid contracts have been a particular focus, as they bypass standard competitive bidding processes.
The pool’s reopening will be closely watched, especially given the conflicting narratives about its condition. The National Park Service has not yet provided an official timeline, but Wischer’s statement suggests a few weeks.
This update comes as the administration faces other infrastructure and policy challenges, including disputes over energy costs and delays in postal board appointments. The Reflecting Pool saga may also intersect with ongoing debates about federal contracting practices and accountability.
For now, Trump’s message is one of optimism, but the underlying questions about the pool’s condition and the contracting process are unlikely to fade quickly.
