Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The drama around the algal bloom in the Reflecting Pool may seem like a shallow issue. But it’s part of a much broader pattern as President Trump tries to “beautify” Washington, D.C., and cement his legacy. Host Adam Harris talks to the Atlantic staff writer David Graham about Trump’s attempts to remake the city physically, culturally, and politically.
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Follow The Atlantic on Instagram: instagram.com/theatlantic/?hl=en
Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener.
#theatlantic #radioatlantic #trump #reflectingpool
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool History
01:39 Trump Remakes D.C.
02:26 Reflecting Pool Discussion with David A. Graham
05:38 Trump’s Legacy Building Efforts
08:03 Announcements Over Planning
09:39 Institutions and GOP Pushback
15:12 Looking Ahead to July 4th
16:47 Credits
Atlantic on YouTube: bit.ly/subAtlanticYT
The drama around the algal bloom in the Reflecting Pool may seem like a shallow issue. But it’s part of a much broader pattern as President Trump tries to “beautify” Washington, D.C., and cement his legacy. Host Adam Harris talks to the Atlantic staff writer David Graham about Trump’s attempts to remake the city physically, culturally, and politically.
Subscribe to the “Radio Atlantic” podcast on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radio-atlantic/id1258635512
Subscribe to the “Radio Atlantic” podcast on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/4vlgAVfHGyzoHYVmY67yFL
Follow The Atlantic on Instagram: instagram.com/theatlantic/?hl=en
Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener.
#theatlantic #radioatlantic #trump #reflectingpool
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool History
01:39 Trump Remakes D.C.
02:26 Reflecting Pool Discussion with David A. Graham
05:38 Trump’s Legacy Building Efforts
08:03 Announcements Over Planning
09:39 Institutions and GOP Pushback
15:12 Looking Ahead to July 4th
16:47 Credits
Atlantic on YouTube: bit.ly/subAtlanticYT
