The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has requested information from the contractors responsible for the recent renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing issues that have emerged since the project's completion. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., sent letters Wednesday to the companies involved in painting the pool and removing algae that subsequently appeared.
The $16 million renovation, completed under the Trump administration, has been marred by problems including algae growth and peeling paint. Garcia stated that the situation represents "Donald Trump's disastrous renovation of our national reflecting pool" and called it "his latest failed vanity project."
"The President should be focused on making life more affordable for the American people, not rewarding his loyalists with government contracts and wasting taxpayer money on failing projects," Garcia said in a statement. "We're demanding answers straight from the contractors about the project's failures."
Garcia is seeking details on the scope of work, contract performance standards, communications with the National Park Service, and invoiced or paid amounts. The requested information is due by July 8, 2026. As the minority party, House Democrats do not possess subpoena power to compel contractor responses.
Earlier this week, former President Trump stated that the Reflecting Pool would be drained again for "permanent repair" around the Fourth of July. He also mentioned that six individuals had been arrested in connection with alleged damage to the site, though no charges had been filed at that time. The Interior Department and the U.S. Park Police have not provided evidence of the alleged vandalism in response to inquiries.