Water is returning to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after a weeks-long project to resurface and repaint its basin in a shade President Trump calls American flag blue. Many visitors say the change appears subtle.
The pool at the base of the Lincoln Memorial began refilling on Friday following the controversial work. President Trump had directed the surface to be darkened from its previous gray tone. Trump told reporters the project would seal crevices and prevent leaks. He estimated the cost at $2 million and said it would last 50 to 100 years. Interior Department records show the contract with Atlantic Industrial Coatings totals $13.1 million. A nonprofit had sued to halt the work over missing historic preservation reviews. Visitors watching the refilling offered mixed views. Some welcomed the cleaner appearance while others said they could not detect much difference in color.
