Trump's National Mall Renovations

Trump claimed the renovation was inspired by a friend from Germany who noted the pool’s poor condition compared to European landmarks.

During a ten-minute rant in the Oval Office, the president also asserted that his 2019 July Fourth rally drew more people than Martin Luther King Jr.’s 'I Have a Dream' speech.

Critics have blasted the plan as a tacky makeover of a national treasure, while the administration insists it is a necessary infrastructure upgrade.

The project is expected to begin later this summer using a specialized swimming pool surface material.