Reflecting Pool algae bloom arrests Trump vandals

Reflecting Pool Algae Bloom Leads to Arrests, Trump Blames Vandals

3 verified5 unconfirmed

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has turned green from an algae bloom following a renovation project that President Donald Trump had promised would make the water “American flag blue.” Trump has blamed vandals for the problems without providing evidence, and multiple people have been arrested for touching the pool water. The renovation included repainting the bottom and applying chemical treatments, but the pool continues to suffer from algae and peeling lining. Officials have not released water chemistry data or confirmed the source of the water currently in the pool. A pool expert noted that draining the 6.5-million-gallon pool would be a considerable undertaking and that many factors could cause the system to fail. The administration has not answered questions about the total cost or extent of the damage.

What’s verified

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turned green due to an algae bloom after a renovation.

President Donald Trump blamed vandals without evidence for the pool’s problems.

People have been arrested for touching the water in the pool.

Not yet confirmed

According to one report, Trump gave a no-bid contract for the renovation to a personal acquaintance who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a politician.

One report states six people have been arrested, including a former U.S. Olympian named David Hearn, who claims he merely touched material in the pool.

The same report says Trump is threatening alleged vandals with 10-year prison sentences.

The pool expert suggested that the lining may have failed due to chemical reactions or installation issues, but no definitive cause has been determined.

The administration has not disclosed the source of the water currently in the pool or provided water chemistry values.