A fountain in the German-American Friendship Garden, a prominent public space between the White House and the Washington Monument, has been left severely damaged. Because of its position on the historic axis linking the White House and the National Mall, the site is seen by millions of visitors each year. The Trust for the National Mall, National Park Service, German Embassy and Volkswagen Group of America partnered on a multi-phase revitalization of the site beginning in 2019. Trump ordered the iconic pool drained and resurfaced as part of a broader effort to improve the appearance of the National Mall ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The president recently described the project as a “Great National Security Facility and Ballroom” as the controversial White House expansion continues.