Story perspectives

Trump's $14M Pool Redesign Fuels Record June Algae Bloom

6/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recorded the highest June algae levels in five years.
President Donald Trump funded a $14 million overhaul that added dark paint, which scientists say raised water temperature and fueled algae.
A Washington Post analysis reported June algae concentrations surpassed any measurement in past five years and ranked among the highest in two years.
Local residents called the pool a mess and waste of taxpayers’ money.

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Story summary

The renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recorded the highest June algae levels in five years.
President Donald Trump funded a $14 million overhaul that added dark paint, which scientists say raised water temperature and fueled algae.
A Washington Post analysis reported June algae concentrations surpassed any measurement in past five years and ranked among the highest in two years.
Local residents called the pool a mess and waste of taxpayers’ money.