- A "temporary" chain link fence blocking public access to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool could remain in place until January 8, 2027, according to federal procurement records exclusively obtained by The Independent.
- National Construction Rentals, Inc. was awarded the $37,263 contract for the fence, which was erected after Trump's renovation of the historic Washington, D.C. landmark.
- Trump's renovation, originally estimated to cost $2 million, grew to nearly $15 million and was followed by reports of peeling "American Flag Blue" paint and a significant algae bloom in the pool.
- Federal ethics expert Craig Holman stated the fencing is unnecessary and serves to conceal Trump's "costly mistake" and the failure of his chosen contractor.
- The Reflecting Pool is being drained for the second time in three months for ongoing repairs, with black tarps now covering the fence, drawing criticism from tourists and watchdogs.
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