U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue ABC for its reporting on the costs associated with repairing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. Trump claimed that ABC did not report the expenses incurred by previous administrations, specifically alleging that former Presidents Obama and Biden spent over $100 million on the Reflecting Pool. However, previous reports indicated that the Obama administration spent approximately $35 million on repairs, with no significant repairs attributed to the Biden administration.
Trump also asserted that vandalism caused damage to the monument, claiming a "350-foot slit" was cut, although no evidence of intentional damage has been provided by the White House. NBC News reported that at least five individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged vandalism.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "We are preparing lawsuits against ABC for false reporting. I like their money, which will be given to the U.S. Treasury." He referenced a previous settlement of $16 million that ABC paid in a defamation case he filed in 2024.
ABC recently reported that the cost to repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has exceeded $14.65 million, surpassing the original estimated cost by over $4 million. The report also mentioned a $1.74 million contract awarded to Green Water Solutions for a system to address algae issues, bringing the total project cost to more than $16 million.
Additionally, ABC is currently facing two investigations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and has been asked to submit early renewal applications for eight of its local broadcasting licenses. This request came after comedian Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, prompting calls for Kimmel's firing. ABC announced it would launch an on-air campaign to encourage viewer support following these developments.