President Trump invited the work crew who restored the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial to the Oval Office on Tuesday, presenting each worker with a signed hat and a presidential challenge coin.
The restoration project involved workers from across the country who spent months repairing the landmark near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The effort was part of a broader initiative to restore multiple sites across the nation’s capital ahead of the country’s 250th birthday celebration next year.
Last night, @POTUS invited the hardworking men who renovated the Reflecting Pool to the Oval Office ❤️
Every man received a signed hat and a presidential challenge coin! pic.twitter.com/sRoO6Z3bYo
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 10, 2026
Recognition and Recognition
Trump first recognized the workers in May when he made an unannounced visit to the Reflecting Pool worksite. During that visit, he shook hands with each worker and distributed presidential challenge coins on the spot.
Decline is a choice. Making D.C. safe & beautiful again is too.
THANK YOU, @POTUS! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hlC9j0jATU
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 8, 2026
The crews had removed approximately 11 to 12 truckloads of debris from the pool during the restoration process. “That’s not what our country is about,” Trump said at the site. “Our country is about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people, not a filthy capital.”
THANK YOU, @POTUS! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VM1sxaUPgw
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 9, 2026
Part of Broader Restoration Effort
The Reflecting Pool restoration was one of several landmark projects completed under what the White House has termed the “D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative. Meridian Hill Park and Freedom Plaza also underwent significant renovations as part of the effort.
HAPPENING NOW!
The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs on the South Lawn of the White House 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/bVpamM9PXP
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 24, 2025
The White House documented the projects through before-and-after imagery, highlighting the transformation of multiple sites across Washington. The restoration work represented months of coordinated effort to refresh key locations in the nation’s capital.
“Come on in here, fellas!”
President @realDonaldTrump invites the The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon into the Oval Office 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Xjs9X7HYzj
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 24, 2025
Pattern of Recognition
The Reflecting Pool visit followed a similar gesture in September when Trump invited the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon into the Oval Office following a performance on the South Lawn. Each Marine received a presidential challenge coin during that visit.
President @realDonaldTrump personally hands each member of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon a presidential challenge coin 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cwCNAKPkyV
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 24, 2025
Trump told the Marines, “It’s my honor,” while distributing the coins and thanking them for their service. The recognition came after the unit performed beside one of two large American flags Trump had personally funded and installed on the North and South Lawns.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Desk contributed to this report.
