In a move that has raised eyebrows among conservationists and fiscal watchdogs alike, Donald Trump has reportedly ordered an immediate overhaul of the National Mall's Reflecting Pool. The iconic water feature, beleaguered by chronic algae blooms, is to be stripped and refitted under the supervision of British heritage consultants. Sources close to the project confirm that a team from Historic England has been quietly consulted, with costs yet to be disclosed.
The decision comes after weeks of mounting pressure from White House aides, who complained that the green sludge was ruining photo opportunities and embarrassing the administration. 'The President wants it fixed, and he wants it fixed now,' an internal memo reads. 'He says it looks like a swamp, and not in the good way.'
But the rushed timeline has prompted concerns over procurement protocols and environmental impact. Documents obtained by this reporter reveal that the National Park Service was side-lined in favour of private contractors with ties to the Trump Organization. 'Standard competitive bidding was bypassed,' a former Park Service official said. 'This stinks of a sweetheart deal.'
The involvement of British experts adds another layer of intrigue. Historic England, the statutory advisor on heritage matters, has confirmed it provided advice on historic masonry and water management. However, the terms of the consultation remain murky. 'We were contacted informally,' a spokesperson said. 'We have not entered into any formal contract with the US government.'
What does this mean for the taxpayer? The last major renovation of the Reflecting Pool, completed in 2012, cost $30 million. Early estimates for this emergency operation are already exceeding $10 million. Yet no budget line has been identified. 'This is money that could be spent on schools, roads, or even other national park maintenance,' a budget analyst noted. 'But no one is asking questions.'
The man behind the order has a long history of cutting corners on construction. From Trump Tower in the 1980s to the Trump International Hotel in Washington, his projects have been dogged by allegations of substandard materials and inflated costs. Now, his attention turns to a national landmark. 'The Reflecting Pool is a symbol of democracy,' said a protest organiser outside the White House. 'But Trump is using it as a backdrop for his own vanity.'
As the algae is drained and the heritage experts arrive, one question lingers: Who will pay for the mess? And what else is being hidden in the murky water?
