Trump’s Other Paint Job

Donald Trump directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2019 to paint the border wall with Mexico a black color, according to a report by The Washington Post. The former president believed the black paint would make the wall appear more imposing and intimidating. This directive came after initial plans for a concrete wall, which was later changed to steel bollards. The Army Corps of Engineers estimated that painting the wall black would add $1.5 million to the project's cost. However, the plan was ultimately abandoned due to concerns about the paint's durability and potential environmental impacts, as well as the added expense. The decision to paint the wall black was reportedly a personal preference of Trump, who had previously expressed interest in the color for other projects, including a proposed renovation of the White House's exterior.