Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool fills with water after work, repainting

WASHINGTON (WDCW) – Water began flowing into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Thursday, weeks after crews began work there, including the controversial repainting of the landmark’s floor.

President Donald Trump announced in April that repairs would take place. Workers drained the pool the same month.

On Wednesday, Trump posted on Truth Social that a final coat of protection on the pool was to be completed by 4 p.m. The president noted that “the water will start flowing, shortly thereafter.” People who visited the reflecting pool on Wednesday were disappointed to see that it had not been filled.

The project, which was done in preparation for the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in July, also included work on the walking paths around the pool.

The final cost was expected to be between $13 million and $20 million, at least 10 times the original estimate.