The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is seen from the Washington Monument, June 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
President Donald Trump on Thursday declared his administration’s intention to construct a “promenade” linking the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River.
“It is designated as the promenade, and it will be the promenade. Some wish to name it the ‘Trump Promenade,’ but I am uncertain if I desire that, though it will undoubtedly be magnificent,” stated Trump during an occasion in the Oval Office.
This would represent the most recent undertaking in Trump’s pursuit to reshape Washington, D.C., during his second term.
President Donald Trump speaks as Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin look on during a “Beautiful, Clean Coal” event in the Oval Office of the White House, June 4, 2026.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The White House East Wing was dismantled last year to accommodate Trump’s contentious ballroom initiative. The president has also put forth a proposal for a colossal “triumphal arch” to be erected near Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. Both endeavors have spurred legal challenges.
Furthermore, Trump’s name was affixed to the Kennedy Center, with plans for a two-year refurbishment of the cultural institution. However, he rescinded these intentions last week following a federal judge’s ruling that he could not rename the performing arts venue or cease its operations without legislative consent. His name is anticipated to be removed from the building’s facade imminently.
Presently, the nation’s capital is undergoing renovations in preparation for the administration’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary. This includes the erection of an Ultimate Fighting Championship Octagon on the South Lawn, alongside the repainting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The arena for the upcoming UFC match on the South Lawn is seen as workers setup the Rose Garden for an evening event at the White House on June 3, 2026 in Washington, DC.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Workers walk along the Reflecting Pool as it is refilled with water after being painted blue at the direction of President Donald Trump ahead of America 250, in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 2026.Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Trump provided an update on the reflecting pool during Thursday’s event at the Oval Office.
“The liquid is flowing in as we converse… pure, unadulterated water,” remarked the president.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com