A group of preservationists is taking legal action to halt the resurfacing of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, claiming that the project, led by President Donald Trump’s administration, violates the National Historic Preservation Act.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal district court in Washington, alleges that the National Park Service (NPS) has made unauthorized alterations to the historic site by repainting the bottom of the pool a bright blue color, which they argue undermines the site’s historical integrity.
Preservationists File Lawsuit Over Reflecting Pool Resurfacing Project
The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a nonprofit organization, along with its president, Charles Birnbaum, filed the complaint.
The plaintiffs argue that the bright blue color being applied to the pool fundamentally changes the visual and experiential nature of the Lincoln Memorial Grounds. According to the lawsuit, the new color makes the pool resemble a “large swimming pool” rather than the reflective, contemplative civic space it was designed to be.
Birnbaum and the foundation assert that the dark grey color originally used in the pool was integral to its design, as it created a sense of depth and reflection that was vital to the site’s atmosphere. “The dark grey, achromatic basin was not incidental to the design. It was the design,” the lawsuit reads, citing a 1999 NPS report that emphasized how the dark color helped create a more profound reflection and visual effect.
Trump’s Position on the Project
President Trump has publicly defended the resurfacing project, claiming that the bright blue color is an improvement over the previous, outdated design. Trump has criticized the Biden administration for overseeing a renovation that he believes left the pool in disrepair.
He even took his motorcade through the drained pool last week to inspect the work and praised the team applying the blue coating, calling it “American flag blue.” Trump dismissed the previous grey color as “never good,” asserting that the new color would enhance the visitor experience and make the pool better reflect the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
However, preservationists argue that the redesign is an irreversible change to a landmark that was intentionally designed to evoke reflection and contemplation. According to the lawsuit, the application of the new color distorts the experience for the millions of visitors who come to the National Mall each year to reflect on the significance of the site.
Temporary Restraining Order Requested
Along with the lawsuit, the Cultural Landscape Foundation and Birnbaum have filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to pause the resurfacing project until the litigation is resolved. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, who was appointed by President Trump.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the National Park Service defended the project, arguing that the new “American Flag Blue” color will improve the visitor experience by better reflecting the iconic monuments around the pool.
The statement from the Park Service emphasized that the work being done will ensure the pool remains an important feature for generations to come, especially in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Alleged “Aesthetic Injury”
One of the primary plaintiffs, Charles Birnbaum, a former landscape architect with the National Park Service, claims that the alteration of the Reflecting Pool has caused him an “aesthetic injury.” Birnbaum, who has spent years documenting and advocating for the preservation of the pool’s historic character, argues that the new color disrupts the visual integrity of the site and harms his ability to enjoy the pool as it was originally intended.
Birnbaum’s complaint echoes similar arguments that Trump has ridiculed in other cases, particularly regarding the administration’s controversial plans to build a new ballroom at the White House. Birnbaum contends that unless the pool’s historic character is restored, he will continue to suffer from the damage done by the alteration.
Legal Process and Streamlined Procedures
The lawsuit also alleges that the National Park Service bypassed the necessary legal consultation for significant alterations to historic properties. The NPS reportedly invoked a “streamlined” process, originally established in 2008 for minor preservation work, to approve the resurfacing.
However, the plaintiffs argue that this process is inappropriate for a project that involves altering the pool’s character-defining features, especially since the 2008 agreement specified that only “similar colors or historic colors” should be used for repainting, not a completely new color.
Looking Ahead
As the legal battle continues, the fate of the reflecting pool’s new design remains uncertain. If the court grants the temporary restraining order, the resurfacing project will be paused until the case is resolved.
Meanwhile, the debate over the pool’s design highlights broader concerns about balancing preservation with modern updates to public landmarks. The case underscores the tension between historical integrity and the desire for change, especially when it comes to iconic sites like the National Mall.
