A young duckling was found dead in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after the Trump administration's renovation saw workers pour high-strength hydrogen peroxide into the water to combat algae growth. The $20 million refurbishment, intended to fix leaks and coat the pool with 'American Blue' paint ahead of the US's 250th anniversary, has been plagued by issues.
Algae and bleach in the reflecting pool
The National Park Service was seen working to clear lumps of algae from the still water over the weekend. Some of the blue paint had lifted off the pool bottom and was floating around. In an effort to tackle the algae growth—which President Trump has denied—workers poured hydrogen peroxide, a form of bleach, into the water. Yesterday, the body of a young duckling was observed floating, raising further concerns about the pool's condition. It remains unclear if the duck's death is directly linked to the bleaching or other ongoing issues.
Trump's boasts and government response
Trump has long boasted about his renovation of the pool, which he completed ahead of America's 250th birthday. 'The algae is dead and being vacuumed up as we speak,' the government said last week, adding: 'We thank President Trump for fixing the Reflecting Pool for good.' However, the pool's condition has drawn criticism and worry.
Olympian arrested for touching pool liner
A three-time Olympian who visited the Lincoln Memorial on Friday to see the newly refurbished pool found himself in handcuffs. The government has vowed to prosecute anyone suspected of 'vandalising' the pool. David Hearn, 67, was checking out the pool when he reached into the water to feel the liner. He was arrested and charged with destruction of government property. Footage of the incident spread online, with conservative commentators claiming Hearn was vandalising the pool. Hearn told the Washington Post: 'I didn't vandalise anything. I didn't destroy, break, or peel anything. By the time I realised what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.'
Trump's Truth Social comments
President Trump posted on Truth Social: 'Many additional people have been arrested having to do with the disgraceful Vandalism of our beautiful Reflecting Pool. It hasn't looked or worked like this since 1922, when it was originally built, but even then, it leaked badly, and didn't work. Ours worked perfectly, including the mirror like finish, perfectly reflecting the two Great Monuments, which it never had before! What these terrible Vandals have done is a true affront to both Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and should be dealt with accordingly.'
