Lawsuit Filed to Halt Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation

A federal lawsuit has been filed to stop a Trump administration project to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with a blue-colored material. The project, which involves painting the pool's basin, has drawn legal challenge over its compliance with federal preservation laws.

Project Details

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being resurfaced as part of a renovation project. Workers have drained the pool and applied a blue coating to its bottom. The pool's basin has historically been gray.

President Trump announced the project, stating it would take one week and cost $2 million, with completion targeted for July 4, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service has not confirmed the timeline or cost.

According to a report from The New York Times, the contract was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings—a company with no prior federal contracts—via a $6.9 million no-bid contract. Obtained documents indicate the final cost could exceed $13 million.

The Department of the Interior stated that "the contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline of completing the leak prevention coating project." The department also said the blue color "will enhance the visitor experience" and that other improvements, including a new filtration system and dedicated maintenance crew, are being made for the upcoming 250th anniversary.

Lawsuit

The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) , a nonprofit education and advocacy organization, filed a lawsuit on Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The suit names the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as defendants.

The lawsuit argues that the project violates the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires the Interior Department to complete a consultation process—including public notification and input from other federal agencies—before beginning work. The suit also claims the department failed to issue an environmental impact assessment.

The case, assigned to Judge Carl Nichols, seeks an emergency court order to halt the painting. Both parties have been asked to respond by Tuesday evening regarding a potential hearing.

Background and Maintenance History

The reflecting pool was completed in the early 1920s after the Lincoln Memorial opened. It underwent major renovations from 2010 to 2012, funded by $34 million from an economic stimulus package, which addressed water quality and watertightness issues.

According to a Department of the Interior budget report for fiscal year 2023, the 2012 project installed the wrong size water system pipes, causing continuous breaks and failures due to soil pressure. The department reported that the pool lost significant water, requiring 71 million gallons of additional water in 2019, with water costs exceeding $1 million that year.

The National Park Service regularly cleans algae, goose droppings, and other debris from the pool.

Statements

President Trump stated that a friend from Germany called the pool "filthy, disgusting."

Charles A. Birnbaum, TCLF's president and CEO, stated:

"The reflecting pool should not be viewed in isolation; it is part of the larger ensemble of designed landscapes that comprise the National Mall. The design intent, to create a reflective surface that is subordinate, is fundamental to the solemn and hallowed visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park."

Architect Neil Flanagan said the approach treats D.C. "like it's his personal country club." D.C. resident and digital creator Laurie Collins said the approach "reeks of authoritarianism." Arizona resident Will Martinez said he is thrilled with the makeover, stating the pool previously "was green, it was ugly."

Additional Context

TCLF is also a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit against President Trump and the Kennedy Center board over planned renovations of the Kennedy Center complex. Trump is also pursuing other changes in D.C., including adding an arch to the National Mall and seeking to build a White House ballroom. Many proposals have faced legal and public challenges, though approval boards with Trump allies have advanced them.

Before founding TCLF in 2008, Birnbaum served 15 years as coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.