A Washington-based nonprofit organization has taken legal action against the federal government over controversial plans to resurface and paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at the National Mall. The Cultural Landscape Foundation filed suit Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, naming the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as defendants.
The lawsuit challenges the administration's decision to paint the iconic pool's basin blue, arguing that federal officials failed to conduct required reviews under the National Historic Preservation Act. The Cultural Landscape Foundation, an education and advocacy organization, is asking a federal judge to halt the project entirely.
President Trump unveiled his vision for the reflecting pool renovation last month, describing the planned color as "American flag blue." According to the president, the project would require one week, cost $2 million, and be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Days later on Truth Social, Trump posted a fabricated image showing himself and several administration officials in swimsuits lounging in the water, despite federal law prohibiting swimming in the reflecting pool.
In a White House YouTube video posted on April 23, Trump characterized the pool as "filthy dirty" and said it "leaked like a sieve." He indicated he would contact three companies with which he has worked previously, stating they specialize exclusively in swimming pools, and request competitive pricing.
The actual contract tells a different story. The New York Times reported Friday that the resurfacing contract was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings in a $6.9 million no-bid arrangement. The company has never previously held any federal contracts. An employee at Atlantic Industrial Coatings confirmed Monday that the firm has been contracted for the project but directed all inquiries to the Department of the Interior.
The financial scope of the project has expanded significantly from initial estimates. The Times reported Monday that the final cost could reach upward of $13 million, according to documents the newspaper obtained. While the Department of the Interior did not confirm the cost, the agency stated that "the contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline of completing the leak prevention coating project—more people, more materials, more equipment and longer hours ahead of our 250th."
In an unsigned statement emailed to NPR Monday afternoon, the Interior Department wrote: "The National Park Service chose the best company to expedite the repair of the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of our 250 celebrations. The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. NPS is also investing in a state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system and will now have a dedicated crew who will maintain the grounds' from wildlife. The Department is proud of the work being carried out by our Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only our 250th, but for many generations to come."
Critics have expressed strong opposition to the project, particularly regarding the color choice. Charles A. Birnbaum, the president and CEO of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, articulated concerns about the aesthetic impact in a statement emailed to NPR Monday. "The reflecting pool should not be viewed in isolation; it is part of the larger ensemble of designed landscapes that comprise the National Mall," Birnbaum said. "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."
The reflecting pool undergoes regular maintenance by the National Park Service, which routinely removes algae, goose droppings, and other debris. The most recent major renovation occurred during the Obama administration and included installation of a new circulation and filtration system at a reported cost of $34 million.
Birnbaum brings significant expertise to the legal challenge. Before founding The Cultural Landscape Foundation in 2008, he served for 15 years as the coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.
This lawsuit represents the second active legal action The Cultural Landscape Foundation has filed against the federal administration. The organization is one of eight cultural and architecture groups currently suing President Trump and the Kennedy Center board over planned renovations of that complex, which are scheduled to begin in July.
