Trump just killed the Reflecting Pool’s iconic mirror effect

If he can't gold-plate it, he'll turn it into something drab.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is famous for its glassy, mirror-like image of the Washington Monument. A near-perfect reflection, rippled by the wind or motion of a swimming bird. It is one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Or was. Trump is having it painted blue, which will dramatically alter the contrast and clarity of reflections.

Experts say introducing a visible color through the water, replacing the neutral tones that enhanced depth and reflection, will end the mirror-like image and make it look more like a regular pool rather than a deep, reflective surface. If he can’t gold-plate it, he’ll turn it into something drab.