WASHINGTON (AP) — Crews are currently draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump's efforts to renovate the waterway have faced ongoing complications, surpassing his initial target of having it ready by July 4 for the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. Originally, Trump claimed that the renovations would last a century; however, the project was plagued by issues shortly after its completion last month.
Almost immediately after the renovation, the pool was troubled by an algae bloom and visibly peeling pieces of the new coating. While Trump attributed the damage to vandals, critics have suggested that poor workmanship is to blame for the peeling. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who oversees the National Park Service, confirmed in a recent interview that this new round of draining was planned, citing the need to clean debris from a recent Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall.
Burgum emphasized that the plan included draining the pool, cleaning it, repairing vandalism, and refilling it. The Reflecting Pool renovation aligns with several of Trump’s projects aimed at beautifying the U.S. capital, including plans to build a $400 million ballroom by demolishing the White House’s East Wing and constructing a towering arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
This spring, Trump had initially shared his aspirations to enhance the Reflecting Pool with the expectation that it would be finished before the nation’s milestone celebrations. He ordered the water to be drained and painted the bottom an "American flag blue," proclaiming that the work was ahead of schedule through a post on his social media platform.
Nonetheless, issues erupted shortly after the work was completed. Following reports of a vandalism incident in June, court documents revealed that a sharp object had been used to cut the pool's new liner. Recently, former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the Reflecting Pool. His defense argues that he merely examined the sealant when he accidentally let go of a piece upon being instructed by a park worker.
Notably, Hearn’s case has drawn criticism, with his legal team and Trump administration critics questioning the motivations behind the prosecution, which they deem an abuse of power. Similarly, at least three other individuals have been charged with misdemeanors related to the removal of paint from the pool, all of whom have entered not guilty pleas.
The Reflecting Pool was closed during the Independence Day celebrations, which featured what Trump claimed to be the largest fireworks display in the world. The president indicated that the pool would require draining once again for ongoing repairs. Furthermore, Burgum stated that the administration would not put the new repair work out for bids, insisting that the same company that previously worked on the pool would be retained for future work, citing their quality of service.
Green Water Solutions, based in Ohio, received a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system in the Reflecting Pool, while Atlantic Industrial Coatings from Virginia was awarded a $14.7 million contract to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor. In light of these ongoing complications, Democratic senators and House representatives are launching investigations into the pool project, seeking clarity regarding the taxpayer funding involved and the management of these renovation efforts.
