Crews are again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump's renovation project at the historic site continues to face challenges and extends beyond its initial completion targets. The effort to revamp the waterway, initially intended to be finished by July 4 to coincide with the nation's 250th birthday celebrations, is now pushing past that deadline.
Problems emerged shortly after the project's initial completion last month. Reports indicated an algae bloom and peeling of the new coating on the pool's bottom. While Trump has attributed the damage to vandalism, critics suggest it stems from subpar repair work. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated in a recent interview that the current draining is a planned step. He also noted that debris from a large Independence Day fireworks display on the National Mall may still be present in the water.
"Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff," Burgum said. "Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again."
The renovation of the Reflecting Pool is part of a series of projects initiated by the Trump administration in Washington. These include plans for a new ballroom at the White House and a proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump had publicly stated his intention to beautify the Reflecting Pool in the spring, aiming for completion before the upcoming anniversary. He had also expressed confidence in meeting the July 4th target, posting on social media that the project was ahead of schedule. The plan involved draining the water and painting the bottom a color he described as "American flag blue."
Following the initial work, the National Park Service reported an incident on June 9 involving damage to the pool's liner. Court documents later indicated that a sharp instrument had been used. David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, has pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the pool. His defense attorneys argue he was examining the peeling sealant when approached by a park worker and that the case represents an abuse of prosecutorial power, with Hearn being made a scapegoat for poor repair quality.
Online court records show at least three other individuals have faced misdemeanor charges for allegedly removing paint from the pool's surface. All have pleaded not guilty.
The pool was temporarily closed for the July 4th celebration, which featured a fireworks display. Trump had indicated that the pool would require draining again to facilitate ongoing repairs.
Burgum also stated that the administration would not seek new bids for the upcoming repair work, indicating a continuation of services with the existing contractors. Green Water Solutions (Greenwater Services) was contracted for a water-purification system at a cost of $1.7 million, and Atlantic Industrial Coatings received a $14.7 million contract for repainting and waterproofing the pool's concrete floor.
Congressional Democrats are reportedly investigating the pool project, seeking details on the involvement of taxpayer funds.