Donald Trump has blamed vandals for the disastrous $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which has become a laughingstock in Washington. The pool, which turned a swampy green color shortly after reopening and later saw sections of its new surface peel off, was supposed to be a quick, low-cost fix. Instead, it has drawn ridicule and criticism.
Trump's Claims of Vandalism
Trump posted on Truth Social that "real problems" with the pool were caused by vandals, alleging that chemicals were used to damage the surface and that ABC reporter Jonathan Karl tried to rip off the rubber lining. However, no evidence supports these claims. A video shows Karl touching already-peeled material, not tearing it off. Trump also claimed the algae is "75% gone," though the pool remains largely green.
Botched Renovation Details
Earlier this year, Trump canceled a planned $300 million, three-year renovation of the landmark, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Instead, he hired firms that maintain his hotel swimming pools to resurface the bottom in "American Flag Blue." The project reopened five weeks late, costing ten times more than initially promised. Almost immediately, algae invaded the water, turning it green. The source of the algae is unknown, but experts suggest residual algae in pipes multiplied in hot weather. The pool's filtration system may not have been repaired.
Surface Peeling and Souvenirs
Days later, a section of the resurfacing began to peel and flap in the wind. Tourists have started tearing off strips as souvenirs. The Mirror found scraps of surfacing material on a nearby grassy verge. There is no indication that vandals caused the peeling, despite Trump's assertions.
Trump's History of Overpromises
Trump has a long history of overpromising and cutting corners on building projects, none previously blamed on vandalism. Last week, unidentified people etched "86 47" (restaurant slang for "get rid of" and 47 for Trump) into the grass near the Washington Monument using chemicals. However, there is no link between that incident and the reflecting pool problems. Trump blamed "Radical Left Lunatics, most likely Dumocats" for the damage, but law enforcement has not confirmed any connection.
