Trump Addresses Reflecting Pool Costs
Former President Donald Trump spoke to reporters on Monday concerning the cost of renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The discussion followed questions regarding claims made in April, when former President Trump stated that the project would be completed within one week for approximately $1 million.
CBS Interview Exchange
During an interview with CBS News senior White House correspondent Ed O'Keefe on Monday, the reporter asked why Trump had previously indicated such a low cost and short timeline. According to the report, former President Trump responded by asking: "Okay. Ready. Barack Hussein Obama, have you ever heard of him?" The exchange occurred after the reporter pressed him on his April statements.
Allegations Regarding Spending
In response to the inquiry about the pool's history and cost, former President Trump alleged that former President Barack Obama spent two years attempting to fix the Reflecting Pool at a cost of over $100 million. He further stated that both Obama and Joe Biden together had spent $147 million on the project.
Associated Press Analysis
An analysis by The Associated Press determined that claims regarding combined spending of $147 million for Reflecting Pool renovations under the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden have no basis in reality. According to The Associated Press, former President Obama's two-year renovation ended in 2012 with a cost of about $34 million.
Biden Administration Work
The Associated Press confirmed that the Biden administration did not conduct any major work on the Reflecting Pool.
Claims About Water Quality
Former President Trump alleged that water used for a river was putrid and destroyed the Reflecting Pool project. He stated, "He took the water for the river... It turned out to be putrid and it destroyed the whole thing." The Associated Press did not provide verification of these specific claims regarding water quality in its analysis.
Critic Responses
Following former President Trump's remarks, critics responded by questioning his statements. One critic wrote on social media: "When blaming Biden isn't working, go back and blame the guy before him." The Associated Press noted that these figures provided during the interview lacked evidentiary support.