Former US President Donald Trump has unveiled a series of controversial renovation plans for Washington D.C., including a $300 million White House ballroom project and a pledge to 'fix' the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which he attributes to what he calls 'Biden filth and incompetence'.
The 'Make D.C. Beautiful Again' Proposal
In a social media post on Thursday 27 November 2025, Trump shared a video set to operatic music showing leaves and grime in the historic Reflecting Pool. He captioned the video 'Make D.C. Beautiful Again' and stated his intention to collaborate with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on the project. Trump declared, 'You won't be seeing this Biden filth and incompetence much longer,' signalling a swift and aggressive overhaul of the landmark.
A Contentious History of Renovations
This new proposal follows other contentious plans from Trump, most notably the demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for the grand ballroom. He has also previously suggested constructing an Arc de Triomphe-style arch in the capital. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a site of profound national significance, having been the backdrop for pivotal moments in American history, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963.
Implications and Reactions
The announcement has immediately sparked debate and controversy. Critics question the necessity and cost of the $300 million ballroom and the framing of routine maintenance as a political issue. The focus on a historic site like the Reflecting Pool, a symbol of the American civil rights movement, ensures that these proposals will face intense public and political scrutiny, setting the stage for a significant political and cultural battle over the nation's most iconic landmarks.
