Reflecting Pool Renovation Turns Green, Trump Threatens Prison
8 verified3 unconfirmed2 contested
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., turned green due to an algae bloom shortly after a recent renovation project. The Trump administration had awarded a no-bid contract for the work, and the pool's new blue coating began peeling off within weeks. President Donald Trump blamed unspecified vandalism and threatened a 10-year prison sentence for anyone caught damaging the pool. At least five people were arrested in connection with alleged vandalism, including a former Olympian who has denied the charges. Authorities have drained the pool for re-renovation under warranty, and security forces have been deployed to guard the site. There is no public evidence to support Trump's claim of vandalism.
What’s verified
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turned green due to algae after a recent renovation.
The renovation involved a no-bid contract awarded by the Trump administration.
The pool's new coating or liner began peeling off shortly after the work was completed.
President Trump threatened a 10-year prison sentence for vandalism of the pool.
At least five people were arrested for alleged vandalism, and an equal number received federal citations.
A former Olympian was among those arrested and denies the charges.
The pool is being drained and re-renovated as part of the warranty.
There is no public evidence that the pool was vandalized.
Where accounts differ
One source states that Greenwater Services, owned by Republican donor and Mar-a-Lago neighbor John Cafaro, won the no-bid contract. Another source states that Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded a $14.7 million no-bid contract.
Sources offer different explanations for the algae growth: one attributes it to high phosphate levels, while another says the darker blue paint caused warmer water and led to algae growth.
Not yet confirmed
The Trump administration reportedly poured hydrogen peroxide into the pool to combat algae, according to a single source.
A single source reports that National Guard troops, US Marshals, Park Police, and sheriff's deputies are guarding the pool.
Details about John Cafaro's prior bribery conviction and his relationship with President Trump come from a single source.
Key figures
Donald Trump (US President)
Former Olympian (arrested, denies charges)
Sources: Rolling Stone, dw.com, vox.com
