Reflecting Pool cost more than 10 times initial estimate

The renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool cost more than 10 times the initial estimate. President Trump highlighted this expense during his final campaign stop in Washington on Monday. He stood in front of the water feature as he addressed supporters.

Trump said the project started in April. He told contractors he knew to refinish the pool within weeks. He projected the work would cost about $1.5 million. The final price tag came in well above that figure after delays and unexpected issues arose.

The work finished behind schedule. Algae blooms and a peeling blue liner forced crews to drain the pool again in July. Trump blamed vandals for the problems. Federal prosecutors in Washington pointed to shoddy workmanship as the cause.

Trump spent the first 20 minutes of his speech describing the repairs. He showed photos of the damaged granite. He explained how crews resurfaced and re-caulked the stone. He also described removing the algae that covered the water.

“The green, that’s not grass, that’s algae,” Trump said. “It took over the entire pool.” He noted that the algae forms easily. He added that voters should not expect to see much of it after the repairs.

The president listed other renovation projects around the capital. He argued that the construction work shows his presidency is delivering for Americans. He called the capital cleaner, safer, and more spectacular than ever. He did not mention the election for the first 20 minutes of the event.

Democrats criticized the focus on construction. Ashley Schapitl, a former Biden Treasury official, posted on X that the message is what the median voter wants to hear. She described it as an update on capital improvement projects in the District of Columbia. Former President Obama also poked fun at the renovations. He said Trump should be on HGTV.

Trump has said the renovations relax him. He insists he gets them done quickly. His message on Monday matched the tone of other recent campaign events. He described the economy as booming despite rising costs. He brushed off higher gas prices as a small price to pay for the war in Iran. Hundreds of guests attended a Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend. They ate Alaskan king crab and caviar in the club’s ballroom. Trump told reporters to look at his rich members. He said they spent all day getting ready.