Trump Drives Across Reflecting Pool for Renovation Inspection

President Donald Trump drove his vehicle across the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington on Thursday to inspect renovations that include coating the water a color he describes as American flag blue.

The unannounced visit allowed Trump to view progress on the project and meet with contractors. Reporters were brought to the site ahead of his arrival and questioned him there. Trump announced the renovation last month from the Oval Office, saying he was motivated by complaints from a friend visiting from Germany who described the pool's water as dark, filthy and disgusting. Contractors removed several truckloads of debris from the water as part of the cleanup, according to Trump.

"This is going to end up with a beautiful, beautiful reflecting pool, the way it's supposed to be," Trump told reporters last month. "Much better than it ever was, actually." He highlighted the effort during Thursday's visit, responding to a question about prioritizing the project amid rising gas prices and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. "You know why? Because I want to keep our country beautiful and safe! Beautiful also!" Trump said. "This was a disgusting place."