In a new infrastructure decision, Donald Trump has announced plans to renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool by applying a specialized coating designed to resemble a swimming pool surface in what he described as “American flag blue.” The project aims to address long-standing concerns about leakage and maintenance issues affecting the iconic site.

Speaking during an Oval Office appearance, Trump stated that the existing granite structure had deteriorated over time, describing it as inefficient and prone to water loss. Instead of pursuing a full replacement, which he said could cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take years to complete, the administration opted for a lower-cost alternative involving cleaning the current surface and applying an industrial-grade coating.

The reflecting pool, positioned between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, holds deep historical and cultural significance. It served as the backdrop for major events, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the nation’s capital.

According to Trump, the revised approach significantly reduces both cost and timeline, with the project expected to be completed within weeks. He emphasized that the renovation would be finished ahead of upcoming national celebrations marking the country’s milestone anniversary.

The president described the initiative as a practical solution, combining aesthetics with efficiency. While initial ideas included different color options, the final decision focused on a tone intended to reflect national symbolism. The project adds to a series of recent changes aimed at reshaping key areas in Washington, reflecting a broader effort to modernize prominent public spaces while controlling expenditures.