President hails completion of Great Reflecting Pool restoration on National Mall

The President on Friday celebrated the long-awaited restoration of the Great Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, saying crews had finished repairs and that "the water will start to flow in" and the pool "won't leak 'cause it's done properly." He described the new finish as "American flag blue" and said the work would make the Mall "beautiful."

Why it matters: The Great Reflecting Pool sits between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and is a prominent national site used for public events and tourism. Restoring its structure and water features affects public access, maintenance costs and the appearance of the capital's core public space.

Details from the event: The President said the pool "never worked" since its construction in 1922 and accused prior administrations of failed repairs, saying crews removed what he described as "11 or 12 dumpsters trucks full of garbage." He credited the Department of Interior for the project and said the restoration used a "very strong, powerful substance" that should last "50 to 100 years."

Officials at the event also noted broader Mall work: the President said approximately 28 fountains across the city are now operating and that sidewalks and granite surrounding the pool were being sandblasted and refurbished. He said Lafayette Park work would be completed before July 4.

What was not specified: The President offered no contractors' names, no project contract values, and no precise maintenance or warranty terms at the briefing. Cost figures and independent inspection findings were not provided during the event.

Next steps: According to the President, the pool would be filled later the same day and opened to the public; the President invited the public to view the restored feature.