President Donald Trump has ordered the draining of the iconic reflecting pool on the National Mall, a move that has drawn both praise and condemnation.
The pool, which stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, was drained on Monday, according to National Park Service officials. The decision came after Trump reportedly expressed frustration over the pool's upkeep and its use as a gathering spot for protesters.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the action, stating, "The president believes that the reflecting pool is a symbol of the swamp, and draining it is part of his commitment to draining the swamp in Washington." She added that the pool would be replaced with a "more efficient and patriotic feature."
Critics decry the move as an attack on history and public space.
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland called the draining "an assault on our national heritage." He noted that the pool, built in the 1920s, has been a site for civil rights marches and presidential inaugurations. "This is not just about water; it's about erasing symbols of unity," Raskin said in a statement.
The National Park Service has not provided a timeline for refilling the pool or details on the proposed replacement. However, sources close to the administration indicate that Trump has discussed installing a large fountain or a statue of himself.
The cost and environmental impact remain unclear.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the disposal of the water and the potential harm to wildlife. The pool is home to several species of fish and turtles. The National Park Service estimates that draining the pool costs approximately $50,000 in staff time and equipment, though the total cost of the project has not been disclosed.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some tourists expressed disappointment, with one visitor from Ohio saying, "It's a shame. This is one of the most famous spots in D.C." Others, however, supported the move, with a local resident commenting, "It's about time someone did something about that algae-filled pond."
The reflecting pool has a storied history, from the March on Washington to Obama's inauguration.
Built in 1922 and renovated in 2012, the pool has been a backdrop for historic events. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech from the Lincoln Memorial, overlooking the pool. President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration drew millions to the area.
Trump's decision is the latest in a series of controversial changes to Washington landmarks. Last year, he ordered the removal of a statue of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney from the Capitol grounds.
