WASHINGTON – Crews are once again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump’s efforts to renovate this iconic waterway face significant challenges. Initially, the goal was to have it ready by July 4, in time for the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, but that timeline has come and gone.
Originally, Trump claimed the renovations would last a century, but after just a month of completion, the pool encountered serious problems. An algae bloom emerged, and pieces of the new coating started to peel off the bottom. This led to accusations of poor workmanship, while Trump attributed the damage to vandalism.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, explained in a recent interview that the draining was planned to address debris from a grand fireworks display over the National Mall. “Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff,” Burgum stated. “Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again.”
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is just one of several major projects led by Trump in Washington, D.C. Notably, he demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for a $400 million ballroom and has plans to construct a towering arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
The president first announced his intentions to beautify the Reflecting Pool this spring, aiming for completion before the significant July 4 celebrations. Water was drained, and Trump ordered the bottom to be painted in what he called “American flag blue.” He even boasted on social media about being ahead of schedule.
However, problems quickly surfaced after the initial work was completed. Trump attributed the peeling to vandalism, and court documents revealed that the National Park Service reported an incident where a sharp object cut the pool’s new liner.
Recently, former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool. Hearn claims he was simply examining the peeled sealant when park workers told him to let go of a chunk. His legal team argues that this case is an example of prosecutorial overreach, suggesting that he is being unfairly blamed for the renovation issues.
In addition, at least three others have faced misdemeanor charges for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the Reflecting Pool, all of whom also pleaded not guilty during their court appearances.
The Reflecting Pool was closed during the Independence Day celebration, which Trump touted as the largest fireworks display in the world. Following this event, the president confirmed that the pool would need to be drained again for further repairs.
Burgum stated that the administration would not seek new bids for the renovation work. “We’ll use the same company because they did a fantastic job,” he remarked. The Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a $1.7 million contract for a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.
As the situation unfolds, Democratic senators and House members are investigating the Reflecting Pool project, particularly focusing on how much taxpayer money is at stake.
