Paint is already peeling on Donald Trump's newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, just days after an algae bloom turned the water green. The US president announced the completion of a $14.7 million (£11.1 million) project to improve the iconic Washington landmark last week.
Algae Bloom and Paint Issues
Workers were soon deployed to pour hydrogen peroxide into the water to combat an algae bloom that had turned it green. The US Department of the Interior insisted the water was 'crystal clear', blaming the 'fake news media' for reports of algae taking over. In a statement, the department said: 'The Reflecting Pool water is crystal clear, and our National Park Service team is now vacuuming up the dead algae resting on the bottom of some parts of the Reflecting Pool – just like the destroyed Iranian Navy resting on the bottom of the Persian Gulf.'
However, visitors have now noticed the new 'American flag blue' paint job is starting to come off. Robert Dale of Edwards, Colorado, told Reuters: 'I want my money back after seeing this. I think our resources could be used a lot better elsewhere. I think this reflecting pool was beautiful before, before all this attention.'
Controversy Over No-Bid Contract
The no-bid contract to drain and refinish the pool has caused controversy. The renovation is part of Trump's sweeping plans for the capital, including tearing down the East Wing of the White House to make space for a new ballroom and building a massive arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
