- 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.
IN FULL
Exclusive: Trump’s Reflecting Pool fence could be up until January 2027, docs show
