The National Mall just got a whole lot darker. Not in mood. In colour.
The Reflecting Pool's freshly completed paint job has turned it black. Americans are stunned. Left asking: who ordered this?
And more importantly, why? It's a Westminster-style riddle. The pool, a symbol of American idealism, now looks like a political scandal.
Leaks suggest the paint was a 'matte black' meant to reduce glare. But critics call it a metaphor. For what?
The 'darkening' of American politics? A nod to the 'black budget'? Or just a massive communications failure?
The timing is terrible. Midterms looming. The White House is silent.
Hill sources say aides are scrambling. One called it 'a distraction we don't need.' The public?
They're furious. Social media is alight with conspiracy theories. Is this a permanent change?
Will it be reversed? No one knows. The pool's management says it's a 'maintenance trial.
' But in this town, nothing is accidental. This is the kind of story that eats careers. Look for a press conference by Thursday.
Or a scapegoat. The game is on.
