The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C., underwent a $14.7-million renovation as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative for the country’s 250th anniversary. However, the project took an unexpected turn when the pool quickly deteriorated, becoming a subject of online ridicule and jokes. Some online comments humorously referred to June as “ALGAEBTQ Pride Month” and suggested that Trump, known for his promise to “drain the swamp,” had inadvertently created a swamp instead.
A video went viral showing mixologist Adam Wild creating a “reflecting pool” margarita, using matcha to replicate the pool’s green tint. The situation escalated with at least six arrests being made, raising concerns about the pool’s condition just days before the July 4 celebrations. It should be noted that the reflecting pool has been plagued with issues for over a century.
The Background
Constructed in the 1920s, the 600-meter-long pool can reflect either the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial and attracts millions of visitors annually. Due to its location on swampy terrain, the pool has been sinking over time, leading to structural problems like cracked pipes. An $34-million project initiated by the National Park Service during former President Barack Obama’s tenure aimed to address some of these issues.
Despite these efforts, problems persisted, and in April this year, Trump announced plans to resurface the pool in an “American flag blue” shade to enhance its appearance. A no-bid federal contract was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a company previously associated with Trump’s Virginia golf club, to carry out the renovation.
The Setback
Shortly after the completion of the project, a heatwave triggered rapid algae growth, turning the water green. Experts speculate that the darker blue paint used may have exacerbated the issue by absorbing more heat. Factors such as nutrient levels, water quality, and plumbing cleanliness also played a role in the pool’s deteriorating condition.
In an attempt to remedy the situation, hydrogen peroxide was added to the pool to combat the algae, but this led to unintended consequences. Large chunks of blue paint began peeling off and floating on the water’s surface, likely due to a combination of factors related to the pool’s preparation before painting.
Recent Developments
Reports indicate that another no-bid contract was granted to Green Water Solutions, owned by a prominent Trump donor, to address the pool’s issues. The DC Water authority issued a permit to drain the pool, while the repair company pledged to rectify the situation under warranty.
Trump, without concrete evidence, accused vandals of causing damage to the pool, threatening severe penalties for destruction of federal property. He also alleged that someone had cut a significant slit in the pool, a claim met with skepticism by many. The situation escalated with arrests made in connection to the damage, including Olympic canoe racer David Hearn, who faced charges for inadvertently touching a paint fragment.
The administration’s response included erecting fences around the pool, with the White House citing an increase in vandalism by leftist activists as the reason for the precautionary measure. However, no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims.