Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is now fully operational following the removal of algae that he described as “criminal” over the weekend. The US president attributed the damage to vandals and highlighted ongoing issues with the structure despite a recent expensive renovation.
Despite the current fencing and upcoming drainage and resurfacing scheduled for the July 4 holiday, Trump took to Truth Social to express satisfaction with the pool’s current condition, stating that the troublesome algae was eradicated. He emphasized that the pool had not functioned correctly until recently and hinted at further maintenance after July 4 to rectify the damage caused by what he called ‘animals.’
Trump’s assertion of criminal activity causing the algae growth contradicts a statement by a senior National Park Service official, who mentioned that a liner at the pool’s base was deliberately cut post-installation. The need to drain the pool again and reapply the blue coating has escalated renovation expenses beyond the initial $2 million estimate to approximately $16 million to address leaks and achieve the desired deep-blue appearance.
Recently, the pool exhibited green hues due to algae, with remnants of the blue coating and deceased ducklings visible in the water. Trump had previously alleged deliberate damage to the pool’s new paint, intended to give it an ‘American flag blue’ appearance, emphasizing the effort and intent behind the vandalism.
The National Park Service reported various forms of damage to the pool, including cut caulk, destruction of surface material, and the presence of fence post tops in the water. Trump’s focus has been on restoring the pool to its intended state, despite the challenges posed by criminal acts.
