Senator Adam Schiff is once again taking aim at Donald Trump after reports revealed the cost of a controversial reflecting pool renovation project tied to the White House has exploded far beyond its original estimate.
The project, which involves repairs and repainting work connected to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, reportedly climbed to more than $13 million despite earlier promises that the cost would remain far lower. Critics are now questioning why the contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process.
Schiff reacted strongly online, accusing Trump of once again misleading taxpayers while rewarding companies with close ties to him. The California senator referenced previous Trump promises involving border wall funding and other White House projects before saying the president’s famous “Art of the Deal” image has always been “a scam.”
According to reports, the contractor selected for the work had previously handled projects connected to Trump-owned golf properties, which immediately sparked criticism from ethics watchdogs and political opponents.
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The renovation itself has also become controversial because part of the plan reportedly includes changing the reflecting pool’s appearance with a bright blue coating ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026. Some preservation experts and environmental groups argue the project is unnecessary and rushed.
Supporters of Trump defend the renovations as part of a broader effort to restore and beautify major national landmarks before the historic anniversary celebrations. However, critics argue the administration is prioritizing expensive cosmetic projects while many Americans continue dealing with rising living costs and economic pressure.
The debate quickly exploded across social media, where users argued over whether the project represents government waste, political favoritism, or simply another example of how deeply divided the country remains heading into another major election cycle.