Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself shirtless in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with a bikini-clad woman during a bizarre Truth Social posting spree. The president launched into a late-night Truth Social blast on Saturday, posting a caption-less image just after 11pm of himself and several cabinet members in the historic Washington pool alongside a woman hidden under dark sunglasses.
AI Image Details
Trump is seen smiling and giving a thumbs-up while reclining on a golden inflatable lounger, with Vice President JD Vance standing behind him and also giving a thumbs-up. The image also features Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in DC's largest reflecting pool, with the Lincoln Memorial rising behind them. An unidentified woman, her legs treading water just beneath Trump's, also appears in the image, soaking in the clear water in a blue-and-white gingham-style bikini.
Online Speculation
The identity of the woman sparked online speculation, with some wondering if it was Melania Trump and others suggesting similarities to Brooke Rollins or Tulsi Gabbard. 'Is she one of the Epstein girls?' one comment read. Another said: 'The brunette is clearly Kristy Noem's husband.' 'Who's the brunette supposed to be? Please dear God I hope not Loomer,' another user wrote.
Other Posts
The president also shared a meme-style image of himself smirking and holding an Uno deck made entirely of Wild cards less than 15 minutes later, with the caption: 'I have all the cards.' In another post, Trump was shown posing as a fictional fifth president carved into Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, his face placed alongside Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Criticism of Obama
He shifted his focus within the hour to criticizing former President Barack Obama, taking the time to brag about his thrifty makeover of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. During the president's second term, Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum promoted beautification efforts across various Washington landmarks, with construction on the pool currently underway.
Reflecting Pool Renovation
Trump had ordered the pool's surface to be covered in a shade of 'American flag blue,' covering up a decades-old granite surface that he said was 'leaking like a sieve' and would take years to replace. Trump said that the renovation was supposed to cost $301 million over three years but revealed that he pulled off the job for $2 million in one week, noting it was much less expensive than a $32 million job done under Obama in 2012. However, it is worth noting that the 2012 renovation was a far more comprehensive restoration of the memorial, specifically involving several structural changes.
Comparison Photo
Shortly before midnight, Trump shared a comparison photo of the Reflecting Pool under who he referred to as 'Hussein Obama' and under his own administration. While Obama's side depicted murky, brown water with algae and bacteria and chipped paint along the border, Trump's side showed clear water with no visible marks or scratches. 'This is what our Country was before, and after, "TRUMP!"' he captioned the post.
Inspiration for Project
The president announced the renovation in the Oval Office last month, revealing he was inspired to take on the project after a friend from Germany visited and described the water as filthy and disgusting. 'And I went over there with Secret Service in tow, and I said, "isn't that a shame? That's terrible,"' Trump said as he showed reporters a photo of the site under construction. The project marked the latest in a series of renovations in Washington and follows others such as the demolition of the White House's East Wing to make room for a new ballroom.
Historical Significance
Lined with stately elm trees between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the reflecting pool is one of the most iconic sites in the capital. It is also where Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963. In Trump's telling, the Reflecting Pool project is a case study in business acumen. The president said he scrapped plans to have the granite replaced, which he said was going to bring the cost to the previously estimated $301 million figure.
Contractor Details
He instead said he called a few pool contractors he happened to know from past real estate projects. 'I have a guy who's unbelievable at doing swimming pools up the road,' he explained. Trump noted that the project would be completed well before July 4, when the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. He said he initially wanted a turquoise-colored surface 'like in the Bahamas,' but was sold when a contractor suggested 'American flag blue.' 'You're going to end up with a beautiful, beautiful reflecting pool,' Trump said, 'the way it's supposed to be, much better than it ever was.' The president has also promoted efforts to clean up the National Mall in DC, another task spearheaded by Burgum.
