Repeated Draining of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

President Trump’s multimillion-dollar renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has encountered a series of setbacks. The project was originally slated to showcase a restored pool by July 4, coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Instead, officials have had to drain the 2,082-foot pool again after discovering peeling paint on the surface and green algae blooms in the water. The repeated closures have disappointed tourists who traveled to Washington, D.C., hoping to view the newly renovated landmark.

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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, told conservative podcaster Katie Miller that the latest drainage was intended to “clean up the fireworks stuff” from the massive July 4 fireworks display and to repair vandalism. He added that the water would be refilled after the work was completed. President Trump has publicly blamed vandals for damage to the pool’s newly installed liner, noting that several arrests have been made. Former Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty this week to a federal charge alleging he damaged the pool’s two-square-foot sealant, denying prosecutors’ claim that he “forcefully and violently” ripped up the liner and caused $1,000 in damage.

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Visitors have expressed frustration over the delays. Lindsay Anderson, a Nebraska resident, said the situation “makes me sad a little bit” and lamented that tourists “are here to see it, and we can’t really.” The ongoing repairs have also drawn criticism for the visible deterioration and for the inability to meet the July 4 deadline.

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• “It kind of makes me sad a little bit,” — Lindsay Anderson, visitor

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• “We’re here to see it, and we can’t really.” — Lindsay Anderson, visitor

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• “Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff,” — Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary

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• “Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again.” — Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary

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