Crews were observed on Friday draining the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, a landmark central to President Donald Trump's initiative to beautify Washington DC. The pool has been plagued by algae blooms and peeling blue liner.
Interior Secretary Confirms Draining Plan
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, told conservative podcaster Katie Miller in an interview released earlier this week that the new draining was planned. He also noted the water might still contain debris from the extensive Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall. "Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff," Burgum said. "Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again."
Trump's Focus on the Reflecting Pool
Early into his second term, Trump set his sights on the 104-year-old pool on the National Mall, describing it as "filthy dirty" and suggesting that former President Joe Biden's administration failed to maintain the site. Trump has sought to make the pool a symbol of American patriotism by having the liner coating the bottom reflect the hue of the US flag.
The renovation has faced criticism for its mounting price tag. As of June, the estimated cost was over $16 million. The project has been hindered by algae blooms that turned the pool greenish and peeling blue liner.
Blame on Vandals and Legal Actions
The Trump administration has blamed the pool's woes on "vandals." Several people have been arrested related to these unsubstantiated claims, including former Olympic cyclist David Hearn, who pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of property destruction. Hearn stated he reached inside the pool to examine the peeled sealant and let go of a chunk when told to by a park worker. "This indictment reflects the administration’s effort to shift blame for their own failures," Hearn’s lawyers said in a statement reported by the Associated Press. "The justice system exists to determine facts, not to provide political cover."
Scrutiny Over Contractor Ties and Nepotism
The overhaul has also been scrutinized after reports emerged that some selected contractors have long ties to Trump, with critics decrying nepotism. The work on the reflecting pool is one of several projects Trump has spearheaded across the nation’s capital, including demolishing the White House’s East Wing to build a $400 million ballroom and plans for a towering arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Timeline and Setbacks
When Trump initially announced his intentions to beautify the reflecting pool this spring, he said he wanted it completed before the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. Water was drained, and Trump directed that the bottom be painted what he called "American flag blue." In May, the president posted on his social media site: "The goal is to have it done, at this higher level, prior to July 4th – We are ahead of schedule!"
But problems began quickly after the initial work was finished. Trump blamed vandals, and court documents later showed that the National Park Service reported to police a June 9 incident in which a sharp knife or razor cut the pool’s new liner. The pool was closed for the Independence Day celebration, which featured what Trump said was the largest fireworks display in the world. The president said the pool would have to be drained anew as part of the new round of repairs.
No Bidding for New Repairs
Burgum also said the Trump administration won’t seek bids for the new repairs. He told CNN’s State of the Union last weekend: "We’ll use the same company because they did a fantastic job." Ohio-based Green Water Solutions, also known as Greenwater Services, was given a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.
Democratic senators and House members are investigating the pool project, including seeking answers about how much taxpayer funding is involved.
