On Thursday, the paint on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, which recently underwent renovation, was observed to be flaking off into the algae-stained water. This occurred less than two weeks after President Donald Trump declared the project finished.
The significant refurbishment of the historic pool, which was drained and refinished this year, was completed under a $14.7-million US no-bid contract, forming a part of Trump’s extensive efforts to transform the U.S. capital. These efforts also include plans to demolish the East Wing of the White House to create a new ballroom and the construction of a large arch near Arlington National Cemetery, honoring the nation’s war heroes and notable Americans.
The historic reflecting pool was drained and refinished through a $14.7-million US no-bid contract. (Annabelle Gordon/Reuters)
Trump announced the completion of the pool renovation on June 6. However, by Tuesday, workers had begun adding hydrogen peroxide to the pool to address an algae bloom that had caused it to turn green, rather than the anticipated dark blue.
The U.S. National Park Service, which manages the National Mall where the pool is situated, did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments. Similarly, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the Virginia-based contractor that executed the renovations, also did not respond right away.
Crews work to remove algae from the refurbished reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., including adding hydrogen peroxide in an effort to combat the bloom that has turned the pool green.
Visitors at the site expressed their dissatisfaction.
“I want my money back after seeing this. I think our resources could be used a lot better elsewhere,” remarked Robert Dale from Edwards, Colorado, as he observed the scene. “I believe this reflecting pool was stunning before, prior to all this attention.”
Green water is seen being pumped out of the reflecting pool through a hose as workers sought to clean algae from the water on Thursday. (Rahmat Gul/The Associated Press)
Trump has received backlash for bypassing planning protocols intended to maintain the carefully curated aesthetic of Washington as part of his renovation initiatives. His administration has brushed aside this criticism as partisan attacks while commending the design expertise of the real estate developer.
Lawmakers have also questioned his choice to accept a $400-million US airplane from Qatar for use as Air Force One, which transports the president, his staff, security personnel, and journalists during his domestic and international travels.
Security analysts have cautioned that modifying the aircraft would necessitate significant security enhancements, communication upgrades to prevent eavesdropping, and missile defense features, all of which would demand substantial time and funding to implement.
A section of paint that peeled off the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is seen in the water on Thursday. (Annabelle Gordon/Reuters)