Story perspectives

Trump Orders $14M Lincoln Pool Drain Amid Lawsuit

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The $14-plus million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool entered a drainage phase after algae blooms and a peeling liner prompted vandalism claims; it was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings via a $14.7 million no-bid contract.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the pool drained on July 10; crews were still removing water on July 13.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued the Interior Department in May, alleging the renovation violated federal historic-preservation review requirements.

History

Historical Context

The National Historic Preservation Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 15 1966, created Section 106 review, the National Register, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. A 1976 amendment funded the Historic Preservation Fund with up to $100 million annually. Today, a $14.7 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool faces a challenge from the Cultural Landscape Foundation, echoing early Section 106 disputes.

1 of 2

Story summary

The $14-plus million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool entered a drainage phase after algae blooms and a peeling liner prompted vandalism claims; it was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings via a $14.7 million no-bid contract.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the pool drained on July 10; crews were still removing water on July 13.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued the Interior Department in May, alleging the renovation violated federal historic-preservation review requirements.

1 / 2