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Lincoln Pool Draining Begins Amid $16 M Overrun, Vandalism

7/10/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. crews have begun draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as the renovation stalls.
Secretary Doug Burgum said the draining follows the July 4 fireworks and will clear debris.
President Donald Trump promised a “flag blue” repaint before July 4, despite algae and peeling that appeared weeks later.
The project now exceeds $16 million, $4 million over budget, and includes roughly 350 feet of gashes that officials label vandalism.

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Story summary

U.S. crews have begun draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as the renovation stalls.
Secretary Doug Burgum said the draining follows the July 4 fireworks and will clear debris.
President Donald Trump promised a “flag blue” repaint before July 4, despite algae and peeling that appeared weeks later.
The project now exceeds $16 million, $4 million over budget, and includes roughly 350 feet of gashes that officials label vandalism.