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Trump-Funded Reflecting Pool Repaint Overruns, Algae Cleared with Nano-Bubbles

6/20/2026

33 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

National Park Service crews used underwater vacuums to clear green algae from the Reflecting Pool as the blue paint began to peel.
U.S. President Donald Trump funded a $14 million repaint that ultimately cost $14.65 million, exceeding the original estimate by over $4 million.
The agency spent $1.74 million on a nano-bubble system the Interior Department says effectively kills algae.

History

Historical Context

Following the $30.74 million, 2010-2012 reconstruction overseen by the Louis Berger Group, the Reflecting Pool reopened in August 2012 but quickly suffered algae blooms, leading the NPS to apply hydrogen peroxide and manual vacuuming. A 2017 schistosome outbreak killed over 80 ducks, and President Donald Trump’s remarks about peeling surface underscored persistent preservation challenges.

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Story summary

National Park Service crews used underwater vacuums to clear green algae from the Reflecting Pool as the blue paint began to peel.
U.S. President Donald Trump funded a $14 million repaint that ultimately cost $14.65 million, exceeding the original estimate by over $4 million.
The agency spent $1.74 million on a nano-bubble system the Interior Department says effectively kills algae.

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