Workers have begun painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue, a move initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a broader effort to beautify Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th birthday. The pool, which stretches 2,030 feet (620 meters) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has suffered from leaks, structural deterioration, and algae growth for years. Trump stated that the restoration would address these issues, claiming it would make the pool 'more beautiful than ever.' Initially, renovation bids estimated the project at $300 million (£220 million) and over three years, but Trump opted for a more cost-effective approach, securing a no-bid contract for $6.9 million. Critics, including Tim Whitehouse from the nonprofit watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, have raised concerns about the project's legality and the lack of oversight, suggesting it reflects a breakdown in the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government. Trump asserts that the new paint, dubbed 'American Flag Blue,' will last 40 to 50 years and eliminate leaks, positioning it as a significant improvement over the original state of the pool.