Group Sues to Block Trump's Blue Resurfacing of Reflecting Pool at Lincoln Memorial
Washington — A nonprofit architectural group is suing to block the Trump administration's blue resurfacing of the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, arguing the government is not following congressionally mandated procedures before changing the historic feature.
TL;DR
- The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) is suing the Trump administration to block the blue resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- The lawsuit claims the administration is violating federal law, including the National Historic Preservation Act, by not following mandated procedures.
- TCLF states that consulting parties have not been notified or engaged in the process.
- The administration began resurfacing the pool with an "American flag blue" material, which President Trump described as the "latest and greatest filament."
- The project cost is reported to be over $13 million, with the contract allegedly awarded without a bidding process.
- TCLF argues the blue tint is inappropriate for the historic landscape and detracts from the intended reflective surface subordinate to the monuments.
- The Department of the Interior stated the blue surface will "enhance the visitor experience" and help reflect the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
- The White House faces other lawsuits over renovations to historic structures, including the Kennedy Center and the White House East Wing.