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The $16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been plagued by algae blooms, peeling blue coating, and allegations of vandalism, with the National Park Service confirming that the liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor. President Donald Trump ordered the renovation to paint the pool's bottom "American flag blue" ahead of the nation's 250th birthday.
The pool was refilled in early June, but within days green algae obscured the new bottom Source: NPR. Additionally, pieces of the blue coating began peeling off. The NPS says a cut in the foam sealant was reported June 9, and about 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool Source: BBC. Trump claimed vandals caused a "350-foot gash," but has not released evidence Source: PolitiFact. The New York Times reported that the cuts may not be related to the peeling coating Source: The Guardian.
The Interior Department says there have been 18 police reports and seven arrests, but charges have not been specified Source: CNN. A three-time Olympian was arrested after touching a detached piece of liner Source: The Guardian. The administration plans to drain the pool after July Fourth for repairs Source: CNN.
Senate Democrats are investigating the project's cost ballooning from an initial estimate of $1.8 million to over $16 million, along with no-bid contracts awarded to firms with ties to Trump . The failure raises questions about oversight and execution.
“A liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project.”
“Trump has said vandals slashed the pool with a knife, leaving a cut he has variously described as 150 feet, 250 feet, 300 feet and 350 feet long.”
“Trump initially said the reflecting pool renovation would cost $1.8 million, it has now ballooned to more than $16 million.”
“A three-time US Olympian and canoeist, David Hearn, was arrested on Friday. Hearn, who denies the vandalism claims, told the Washington Post, that after noticing a partly detached piece of the blue liner, he reached into the water to see what it felt like.”