Trump Admits Reflecting Pool Makeover Was Rushed, But Renews Vandalism Claim The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool has been a symbol of American history and democracy for nearly a century.
Its renovation, intended to coincide with the country's 250th anniversary celebrations, was plagued by controversy from the start.
The $14 million project was awarded without competitive bidding due to the urgency of the deadline, and its cost ballooned from an initial estimate of under $2 million to over $16 million.