The majestic Lincoln Memorial in Washington is undergoing renovations for the 250th anniversary of the United States. Workers have repainted the basin in blue, following a directive from Donald Trump. This choice has been criticized by historians.
The neoclassical memorial in the shape of a temple, built in 1922 in honor of former president Abraham Lincoln, includes a huge reflecting pool that was previously a dull gray color. It has now been changed to a bright blue reminiscent of the American flag, a color chosen by Donald Trump to leave his mark on the capital. He has described the previous state of the basin as unsanitary and in ruins, and criticized its color. He also pointed fingers at previous administrations for neglecting repairs. Trump has shared preliminary test images to show that the water will still be reflective.
Donald Trump has claimed that the renovation work would be completed this week, but workers interviewed by CNN suggest an additional month is needed. The cost of the renovations amounts to 13 million euros. A dispute may halt the work as a nonprofit organization has sought an injunction.
Critics speculate that Trump’s choice of color for the reflecting pool may turn it into a mere luxury pool resembling those in Florida, where Trump often spends weekends. Historians fear that this move may be an attempt to erase the memorial’s historical significance, which includes hosting Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 and anti-Vietnam War protests.
/2026/05/18/6a0adb96b0207314575143.jpg "Trump is attacked because he puts God and his country first")
