Story perspectives

Interior Dept Warns: Reflecting Pool Repairs Flawed, Deadline at Risk

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Interior Department employees warned that Atlantic Industrial Coatings’ repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool are flawed and may miss the May 22 deadline.
Staff observed bubbles, holes, and uneven tinted waterproofing that left the pool mottled in shades.
The contract was fast-tracked for the 250th-anniversary celebrations, bypassing normal federal bidding rules.
President Donald Trump praised Atlantic Industrial Coatings, then posted on Truth Social that he did not award the contract.

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Story summary

Interior Department employees warned that Atlantic Industrial Coatings’ repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool are flawed and may miss the May 22 deadline.
Staff observed bubbles, holes, and uneven tinted waterproofing that left the pool mottled in shades.
The contract was fast-tracked for the 250th-anniversary celebrations, bypassing normal federal bidding rules.
President Donald Trump praised Atlantic Industrial Coatings, then posted on Truth Social that he did not award the contract.