Story perspectives

Olympian Arrested as $14M Lincoln Pool Renovation Sparks Lawsuit

6/24/2026

Left

David Hearn Arrested

Olympian David Hearn was arrested after touching a peeling piece of the reflecting-pool liner, prompting criticism of the administration’s response.
National Park Service crews are vacuuming algae from the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C.
$14-million renovation was awarded without bidding to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a firm with no contracts.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued, claiming “Old Glory Blue” paint harms the memorial’s historic solemnity.

Right

Crews Clean

A dead duckling was found floating in the murky reflecting-pool water after crews dumped hydrogen peroxide to combat algae.
National Park Service crews are vacuuming algae from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Six arrests were made as the site operates under added cameras and National Guard presence.
President Donald Trump said vandals damaged the pool, warning a ten-year prison term for defacement.

History

Historical Context

In 1990 the National Park Service completed a $2.5 million renovation that installed 30 filtration units, eliminating chronic algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool, designed by Henry Bacon and dedicated in 1922, was rebuilt from 2010 to 2012 after similar algae problems. Its western edge later hosted the 1963 March on Washington.

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David Hearn Arrested

Olympian David Hearn was arrested after touching a peeling piece of the reflecting-pool liner, prompting criticism of the administration’s response.
National Park Service crews are vacuuming algae from the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C.
$14-million renovation was awarded without bidding to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a firm with no contracts.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued, claiming “Old Glory Blue” paint harms the memorial’s historic solemnity.

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