Nonprofit Sues to Halt Trump's Reflecting Pool Renovation

A nonprofit organization has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt President Donald Trump's ongoing renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) alleges that the project violates the National Historic Preservation Act, which outlines procedures for changes to historic properties.

The organization seeks an emergency order to stop the administration’s overhaul, which focuses on replacing the pool’s gray stone appearance with a blue industrial coating. According to Reuters and CBS News, the lawsuit argues that the dark grey basin is integral to the design of the reflecting pool.

President Trump announced the project in April 2019, stating it would be 'fantastic' and 'really beautiful.' The renovation aims to enhance visual appeal ahead of the nation's 250th birthday celebrations. According to The Guardian, Trump was motivated after a friend visiting from Germany criticized the pool's condition.

'He said, “It’s filthy, dirty. The water is disgusting-looking. It’s not representative of the country,”' Trump told reporters at a White House event as reported by The Guardian.

The Interior Department defended the renovation, stating that it will enhance visitor experience and ensure the pool can be enjoyed for future generations as reported by UPI and BBC News. However, critics have raised concerns about the project's cost—estimated at nearly $7 million—and the lack of a bidding process for the contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings.

Some of Trump’s other projects in Washington, including renovations to golf courses and construction of a White House ballroom, have also drawn legal challenges. A federal judge on March 31 blocked above-ground construction of Trump’s ballroom, writing that “unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!” An appeals court later lifted the injunction, allowing construction to proceed while litigation continues.

According to NPR, President Trump revealed his plans for the pool renovation last month in 'American flag blue,' saying that the project would take one week and $2 million. The New York Times reported that the contract for the reflecting pool's resurfacing was awarded as a no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which previously had never held any federal contracts.

The final cost of the project could be upward of $13 million, per documents obtained by The New York Times. The Department of the Interior did not confirm the cost but stated that 'the contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline.' Critics argue that the color change is inappropriate and more suited to a resort or theme park.

According to BBC News, Trump awarded the contract for this work to Atlantic Industrial Coatings using an exemption meant for emergency situations. The project began over the weekend with a much quicker timeline than originally expected, aiming to complete by May 22 in time for America's big anniversary celebrations. Initially, renovations were estimated to cost $300 million and take over three years.

The pool has long been plagued by leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth, and bird droppings. Trump said he found 'a better way of doing it' that would only cost $1.5m to $2m. The contract awarded was for $6.9 million, but federal records now show the project will cost more than twice that amount.