Topline
As Washington, D.C. celebrates the country’s 250th birthday this weekend, views of some iconic landmarks in the nation’s capital are obscured by fencing or scaffolding as President Donald Trump continues to embark on controversial beautification projects.
Fencing surrounding the Reflecting Pool on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)
Associated Press
Key Facts
Trump’s repairs of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool—which have been thwarted by persistent algae, though the president has blamed vandals—are ongoing, and it is still covered by fencing.
Fencing surrounds the pool, alongside some signs that read “Danger: Explosives,” and, “Coming to you on July 4th,” as the National Mall will be the site of a major fireworks display on Saturday.
Trump also quietly began construction on a White House helipad earlier this week, and pictures show parts of the building are covered in scaffolding.
Visitors to the Kennedy Center still won’t be able to read the venue’s sign, which now lacks Trump’s name following a court order to remove it, as scaffolding and a huge tarp have stood in front of it for nearly three weeks.
Trump observing scaffolding at the White House on Wednesday. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Scaffolding erected at the White House earlier this week. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Tarps have blocked the Kennedy Center’s sign for nearly three weeks. (Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
tangent
Also threatening to disrupt the country’s birthday celebrations in Washington, D.C. is a heat wave that is expected to rattle the northeast this weekend. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an extreme heat warning for the city, which will last until July 5. Bowser warned D.C. residents in a post on X that temperatures could surpass triple digits and urged people to consider the heat while making plans for America 250. “People have to really watch the heat, watch what they’re drinking and get home as soon as the fireworks are over,” Bowser told reporters earlier this week, suggesting families with small children may want to watch the event on television instead.
What’s Happening In Washington, D.C. This Weekend?
Washington will host a series of events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. On Saturday, the National Mall will host what Trump has called “the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.” The fireworks show will take place at 11 p.m., capping off a day of programming that will include a Trump speech, military flyovers and a performance by the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra. The National Mall is also home to the Great American State Fair, which contains exhibits from all U.S. states and territories.
What Is The Status Of The Reflecting Pool?
The reflecting pool will once again be drained after this weekend’s July Fourth celebrations, Trump said earlier this week. Trump has consistently blamed vandals for disrupting the reflecting pool repairs, which have faced struggles as the pool turned green and bloomed with algae shortly after initial renovations were completed. At least seven people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism of the reflecting pool. Trump has claimed the alleged vandals “cut and butchered a 350 foot long strip” in the pool, though he has not provided evidence to back up these claims.
key background
Throughout his second term, Trump has prioritized putting his own mark on the nation’s capital by embarking on beautification projects. White House renovations have long been a fixation of Trump’s—it’s the site of his $600 million planned ballroom, and he’s already remodeled some rooms and the Rose Garden. Trump also planned to close the Kennedy Center in July for two years of renovations, but a judge temporarily blocked his effort in May, saying the Trump-appointed board’s decision to close was made based on a “one-sided presentation of information” without properly considering its “full range of its statutory obligations.” That same ruling also mandated the center remove Trump’s name from the building and all digital materials. Trump has also proposed building a 250-foot arch in Washington, though the project is facing a challenge from Democratic lawmakers who say Trump needs approval from Congress.
further reading
Trump Claims Reflecting Pool Now In ‘Full Use’ (Forbes)
Federal Judge Demands Answers About Tarps Blocking Kennedy Center Sign (Forbes)
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