Story perspectives

Lincoln Pool Reopens Amid $14.2M Blue Lining Cost Controversy

6/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool reopened after President Donald Trump’s renovation, with thin algae still visible.
Interior Department officials said the green film is residual algae from supply lines idle for eight weeks.
A $1.7 million ozone nanobubbler filtration system was installed by Green Water Solutions.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings received a $14.2 million no-bid contract to line the pool in “American Flag Blue,” prompting Senator Richard Blumenthal to question the cost.

History

Historical Context

The National Park Service’s $30.74 million 2009–2012 rebuild of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool showed a pattern of costly monument upgrades, echoing earlier large-scale projects such as the $10.5 million 2000–2002 Washington Monument renovation and the $15 million 2004–2005 security overhaul. Senator Richard Blumenthal now questions a $14.2 million Atlantic Industrial Coatings contract for the Lincoln Memorial, citing this history of expansive federal spending.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool reopened after President Donald Trump’s renovation, with thin algae still visible.
Interior Department officials said the green film is residual algae from supply lines idle for eight weeks.
A $1.7 million ozone nanobubbler filtration system was installed by Green Water Solutions.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings received a $14.2 million no-bid contract to line the pool in “American Flag Blue,” prompting Senator Richard Blumenthal to question the cost.

1 / 2