The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation faced another setback after crews drained the historic landmark for additional repairs, delaying plans to showcase the restored site during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Reflecting Pool Drained For New Repairs
The historic Washington, D.C., landmark faced renewed repairs after officials discovered issues with the recently renovated pool, including peeling paint and green algae growth, reported The Hill on Saturday.
The problems emerged shortly after the multimillion-dollar restoration effort was expected to showcase the site ahead of July 4 events on the National Mall.
Visitors who traveled to the nation’s capital for the holiday expressed disappointment after finding the pool empty.
“It kind of makes me sad a little bit,” Nebraska visitor Lindsay Anderson told DC News Now. “We’re here to see it, and we can’t really.”
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the latest work was planned to address reported vandalism and remove debris believed to have fallen into the pool during the July 4 fireworks celebration.
“Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff,” Burgum said in an interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller.
He added, “Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again.”
Trump has blamed vandals for damaging the pool’s newly installed liner, and several arrests have been made in connection with alleged vandalism.
Former Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty to a federal charge alleging he damaged about 2 square feet of the pool’s sealant.
Prosecutors allege he “forcefully and violently” damaged the liner, causing about $1,000 in damage. Hearn has denied the allegations.
Reflecting Pool Renovation Faces Setback
Last month, President Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool would be drained for repairs after July 4 celebrations, blaming alleged vandalism for damage to the pool’s liner.
Soon after a more than $13 million renovation, algae reappeared despite new water-cleaning technology.
The Interior Department said the algae was dead and part of the system’s startup process.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the project, calling it a “reflecting pool debacle” and accusing Trump of focusing on the renovation instead of broader economic issues.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Joshua Sukoff / Shutterstock
