The general manager of President Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf club is assisting with renovations to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, a project the president has championed as a passion endeavor in Washington, D.C. The overhaul is progressing rapidly, with Trump sharing images of a resurfacing test on social media on Saturday.
Trump’s Vision for the Reflecting Pool
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I’ve made this a much larger job than originally contemplated for purposes of Beauty, and a much longer life.” Among those contributing to the project is David Schutzenhofer, an employee of the Trump Organization who has managed Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster since 2006, as first reported by The New York Times.
Volunteer Role Sparks Questions
An Interior Department spokesperson told The Independent, “Mr. Schutzenhofer is unpaid and is volunteering his time to offer suggestions on this project because he is an American patriot.” When asked about his involvement, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated, “Thanks to President Trump, the Reflecting Pool will be restored to its proper glory! The restoration effort will be completed ahead of America’s 250th celebrations and for a fraction of the cost that the former Presidents Obama and Biden squandered only to worsen its condition.”
The Interior Department emphasized that Schutzenhofer, described as a “world-renowned leader in the hospitality industry,” is not acting as a federal employee or directing government contracts. However, The New York Times reported that Schutzenhofer helped recruit Ohio-based contractor Greenwater Services for the project. Emails obtained by the publication indicated that Schutzenhofer spoke with Greenwater CEO Al George about the possibility of hiring the water-purification company to treat the reflecting pool. Last month, Greenwater received a $1.7 million contract for the work, according to government records.
Trump’s Personal Touch
Trump made a surprise visit to the reflecting pool earlier this month, meeting with workers and jokingly asking, “Who didn’t vote for Trump, anybody?” The comment drew friendly laughter, with one worker replying, “We’re from Oklahoma.” Trump carried Oklahoma in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections, each time with over 65 percent of the vote. In his Truth Social post, Trump said renovations should be complete before July 4.
Broader D.C. Projects Amid Economic Strain
Trump has undertaken several projects to beautify the White House and surrounding area, even as Americans face soaring gas prices and high inflation. Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Trump’s proposed 250-foot “triumphal arch” is under evaluation for potential risks to flights near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The arch, to be built at the end of Arlington Memorial Bridge across from the Lincoln Memorial, will be topped with a golden winged figure holding a torch and flanked by two gilded eagles.
On Tuesday, Trump held an impromptu press conference at the construction site of his “drone-proof” White House ballroom, claiming, “If a drone hits it, it bounces off.” The ballroom is estimated to cost about $400 million, excluding security modifications.
