President Donald Trump has stated that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C., will “probably” be drained for necessary repairs, following issues with algae blooms and peeling paint that have plagued the recent $14.2 million renovation. The pool was renovated in time for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations next month.
Trump blames vandalism for pool damage
In a Truth Social post late Saturday, Trump said that after meeting with pool contractors, they would “probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs, but will have them done as quickly as possible.” He earlier acknowledged “real problems” with the pool but blamed the issues on vandals, claiming “many additional people have been arrested having to do with the disgraceful Vandalism of our beautiful Reflecting Pool.”
Trump asserted that several people had been arrested for alleged vandalism. However, details remain unclear. The Washington Post reported that three-time Olympian David Hearn was apprehended after stopping by the pool to touch a peeling piece of paint liner; he was arrested by US park police on a misdemeanor charge. No other arrests were specified by Trump, and no official details on perpetrators have been released.
Algae and paint problems persist
Trump noted that immediately after the renovations, which included painting the bottom of the pool dark blue, the reflecting pool was “working perfectly, including the mirror like finish, perfectly reflecting the two Great Monuments, which it never had before!” He referred to the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. However, algae blooms and peeling paint have marred the appearance.
Trump claimed that vandals used “some form of knife or blade, and put a 250 foot long gash into the beautiful facade and of pouring chemicals into the pool.” He also mentioned earlier damage to the lawn, where “8647” – numeric slang for cancelling Trump, the 47th president – was etched into the grass. No official confirmation of these incidents has been provided.
Historical context and next steps
The reflecting pool, originally built in 1922, has long had leakage issues. Trump stated that after the renovation, “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.” The pool will likely be drained to facilitate repairs, though a timeline has not been specified.
