President Donald Trump has attributed the damage at the renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to “vandalism,” as officials contend with an ongoing algae bloom and reports of deteriorating surfaces. In a detailed Truth Social post, Trump accused unknown individuals and ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl of tampering with the pool, which faced scrutiny for turning green shortly after its significant renovation.
The project, intended to showcase “American flag blue” water, has encountered challenges like algae growth and visible damage. Teams work to amend these issues as investigations into alleged vandalism continue.
Trump’s Reaction and Promises
On Friday, Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts in “cleaning, renovating, and beautifying” several sites in Washington, D.C., claiming improved safety. He suggested the Reflecting Pool damage stemmed from “vandalism,” with individuals allegedly using chemicals and physical methods to harm the newly installed surfaces and surrounding areas.
Trump criticized Karl, accusing him of tampering with the pool by “sticking his hand into the Pool” and attempting to damage the surface. He noted the algae issue is “75 percent” resolved and mentioned the repairs would be complete “early next week.” Investigations are underway.
Former adviser to President George W. Bush, Scott Jennings, supported Trump’s claims on CNN, stating someone vandalized the area and stressing the seriousness of the act. He commended Trump’s cleanup efforts in the capital.
Algae Bloom and Surface Issues after Renovation
The problems at the Reflecting Pool arose days after a renovation exceeding $14 million, which aimed to enhance the basin’s color and water quality before the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. However, soon after refilling, algae spread quickly, turning the water green and leading to a cleanup operation by National Park Service crews. Such algae blooms are common in shallow, sunlit waters, especially in hot conditions, and present challenges in prevention.
Crews have used various treatments, like hydrogen peroxide and ozone-based filtration, to manage the growth and restore the water’s clarity. John Wilson Jr., President of Aqua Doc Lake and Pond, explained to Newsweek that introducing fresh water into stagnant settings often results in algae blooms due to a lack of ecosystem balance.
Additionally, the shedding material from the pool’s floor increased concerns about project execution. Observers have noted visible fragments in the water, and some tourists have interacted with or removed these pieces, prompting worries about maintenance and longevity post-renovation. Officials previously described the algae as part of a “normal startup process” linked to dormant supply lines and environmental factors, continuing their efforts to address discoloration before major events at the National Mall.