Trump Targets ABC—Lawsuit Looms Over Reflecting Pool Costs
By John Nada·Jun 23, 2026·3 min read
Trump targets ABC with lawsuits over Reflecting Pool costs. FCC scrutiny adds pressure on ABC amid ongoing controversies.
U.S. President Donald Trump is gearing up for a legal battle against broadcaster ABC.
Trump has threatened to sue over its reporting on the financial burden of repairing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool according to CNBC Business. The U.S. president accused ABC of neglecting to mention costs incurred by previous administrations. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed without evidence that the "Dumocrats" Obama and Biden administrations spent over $100 million on the pool, a figure nowhere near the $35 million PBS reported as the cost under Obama.
The controversy centers on recent repair costs that ABC reported had ballooned to over $14.65 million, surpassing the earlier estimate by more than $4 million. Trump alleges these expenses stem from vandalism, though no evidence has emerged to confirm intentional damage, according to the White House. NBC News noted that five arrests have been made related to alleged vandalism.
Trump's legal intentions aren’t unprecedented. CNBC Business highlighted that ABC previously settled a defamation case with Trump for $16 million—$15 million going to his presidential library and $1 million covering legal fees. "I like their money," Trump quipped, suggesting any lawsuit winnings would benefit the U.S. Treasury.
The stakes climb as the Federal Communications Commission eyes ABC with two investigations under Trump appointee Brendan Carr. This scrutiny followed after comedian Jimmy Kimmel's joke about First Lady Melania Trump, prompting the president to demand Kimmel's firing. Meanwhile, ABC’s local broadcasting licenses are under pressure, with the FCC asking for early renewal applications, despite their expiration not being due until 2028.
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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a significant national landmark, has been at the center of controversies regarding its maintenance costs. The initial no-bid contract, which did not undergo competitive tender, raised eyebrows when costs soared. ABC reported that the repainting alone exceeded the original budget, setting off a chain of allegations and defenses. Additionally, a $1.74 million contract awarded to Green Water Solutions for a "nano bubble" system aimed at killing algae demonstrated the complexities and rising costs of maintaining such historic sites.
Trump's allegations of vandalism contributing to these costs have been met with skepticism. The supposed "350-foot slit" in the pool, described by Trump, lacked corroborating evidence, leaving the narrative largely speculative. However, the arrests related to alleged vandalism underscore ongoing concerns about security and preservation of the site.
Amid this legal drama, ABC faces another challenge with the FCC's dual investigations. These investigations not only scrutinize the network's content but also its operational licenses, creating a precarious situation for the broadcaster. The demand for early renewal of local broadcasting licenses adds another layer of pressure, as these licenses were not due for renewal until 2028.
ABC has responded by launching an on-air campaign to garner viewer support. This move comes after the network's daytime talk show "The View" was investigated under federal "equal time" rules for political candidates, highlighting the network's ongoing struggles with regulatory bodies.
Whether these controversies will impact ABC's standing in the media landscape remains a topic of debate. The network's ability to navigate these legal and regulatory challenges will likely shape its future relationship with both the government and its audience.