Trump's $14.7M pool renovation fails, drained for algae repair

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington's National Mall is set to be drained once more for urgent repairs, following a $14.7 million renovation that was declared complete by President Donald Trump on June 6. Within weeks, the 609-meter rectangular pool developed visible algae blooms and peeling paint, prompting the DC Water authority to issue a permit for drainage. The repair company has agreed to fix the defects under its warranty, but critics have raised concerns about the no-bid contract awarded for the recoating project, especially ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations next month. The National Park Service has already poured hydrogen peroxide into the water to combat the algae, but the underlying issues remain.

President Trump, without providing evidence, has blamed vandals for the pool's condition. On Monday, he echoed a weekend threat by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, warning that anyone caught damaging the pool could face up to 10 years in prison under federal property destruction laws. “Please remember that there is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced!” Trump wrote on social media. However, legal experts question what criminal violation could apply to simply reaching into the pool. The episode underscores the intersection of infrastructure maintenance, political messaging, and environmental concerns, as ducks that frequent the pool may also be affected by the chemical treatment.