Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been fully restored after being cleared of algae that he described as “criminally made.” The President attributed the damage to vandals and highlighted that the pool is now operational, despite ongoing maintenance plans for the upcoming July 4 holiday.
Trump expressed satisfaction on Truth Social, emphasizing the removal of the algae and mentioning that the pool had never functioned properly until recently. He stated that after the July 4th maintenance to repair the damage caused by the vandals, the pool will be in pristine condition.
The President’s assertion of criminal activity causing the algae bloom was supported by a National Park Service official who reported that the pool’s liner had been cut with a sharp object post-installation. The renovation costs have escalated beyond initial estimates, with projected expenses now totaling around $16 million to fix leaks and achieve the desired darker-blue appearance.
In recent weeks, the pool’s water had turned green due to the algae, and remnants of the blue coating and deceased ducklings were visible. Trump previously mentioned a significant gash in the new paintwork, intended to give the pool an “American flag blue” hue, alleging that the damage was deliberate.
The National Park Service documented various damages to the pool structure, including cuts to the caulk, destruction of surface materials, and fence post tops thrown into the water. The administration is working towards restoring the pool to its intended state amid ongoing challenges and increased renovation costs.
