President Donald Trump has unveiled dramatic progress on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, transforming what he described as a “disgusting, garbage strewn dump” into a landmark restoration project that will showcase Washington, D.C. for America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations.

The pool—spanning over 2,000 feet and positioned between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument—is now undergoing significant upgrades including steam cleaning, fumigation, repainting with “American flag blue” coatings, and extensive repairs to its water system and drainage infrastructure. Trump emphasized that construction crews have removed “more than 10 dumpsters of garbage” from the site, addressing years of leaks and structural failures that previously caused it to overflow at a rate of 45,000 gallons per day.

In recent remarks to his Cabinet, Trump detailed plans to expand the project’s scope beyond the Lincoln Memorial pool itself, including renovations to the World War II Memorial fountain. He highlighted the use of high-quality materials such as resealed granite and improved walkways, noting that the work has been accelerated to meet a target completion date before Independence Day.

The president also referenced his construction background in New York during the 1970s and ’80s, stating, “I always like to build Olympic-sized swimming pools.” He insisted the project’s scale was intentionally increased to ensure longevity and visual impact, calling it “a much larger job than originally contemplated for purposes of Beauty, and a much longer life.”

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently joined Trump in defending the initiative, citing the pool’s critical role in welcoming visitors during national celebrations. The administration has maintained that the renovation—initially budgeted at $1.8 million but later revised to $13.1 million—is delivering results far exceeding previous efforts while prioritizing durability and aesthetic excellence.