Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to be drained again after algae returns
6 verified6 unconfirmed
Crews are again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to renovate the waterway, which has missed its initial July 4 deadline. The pool was stripped, cleaned, coated with what the president called “American flag blue” paint, and refilled, but within days an algae bloom reappeared along with peeling sections of the new coating. Trump has blamed the damage on vandals, while critics allege poor workmanship. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the new draining was planned and that debris from Independence Day fireworks needed to be cleaned up. The renovation is one of several Trump has spearheaded in the nation’s capital, and Democratic lawmakers are investigating the project’s costs.
What’s verified
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained, cleaned, and repainted with “American flag blue” as part of a renovation ordered by President Trump.
The initial goal was to complete the work by July 4, 2026, for the nation’s 250th birthday, but the project has exceeded that deadline.
An algae bloom appeared in the pool within days of its refilling, and sections of the new coating began peeling.
Trump has blamed the peeling on vandalism; critics say the repairs were shoddy.
Crews are now draining the pool again for a new round of repairs.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the draining was planned and that debris from fireworks displays needed to be removed.
Not yet confirmed
The National Park Service reported a June 9 incident in which a knife or razor cut the pool’s new liner, according to a single report.
Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the pool; his attorneys and critics have called the case an abuse of prosecutorial power, according to one source.
At least three other people have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing paint from the pool; all pleaded not guilty, per a single report.
The Ohio-based contractor Green Water Solutions was awarded a $1.7 million contract, and Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings received a $14.7 million contract for the work, according to one source.
Trump demolished the White House’s East Wing to build a ballroom and plans a towering arch in the area, as reported by one source.
Democratic lawmakers are investigating how much taxpayer money is involved in the pool project, per a single report.
Key figures
President Donald Trump; Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary; David Hearn, former Olympic canoe racer; Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff; Katie Miller, conservative podcaster.
Sources: The Guardian, abcnews.com
