With algae-green water and blue peeling paint, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is set to be drained again, despite Donald Trump's recent renovation costing over $14 million. Trump has blamed the problems on "vandalism," claiming a 350-foot gash was deliberately cut into the pool and saying multiple arrests have been made. However, he has not publicly provided evidence for the claims, despite journalists pressing him for proof.
The Pool's refurbishment was part of Trump's push to turn the iconic Washington, D.C. landmark "Old Glory Blue" ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations, coming up on July 4th. The pool's floor was painted a dark blue shade intended to better reflect the nearby Washington Monument. But the makeover hasn't worked out quite like he'd hoped. The water soon turned a familiar shade of green as algae spread across the pool. According to The Washington Post, satellite imagery suggests the bloom was the largest seen at the Reflecting Pool in years. After workers treated the water with chemicals to kill the algae, the painted blue lining on the bottom of the pool began peeling, with pictures showing it breaking off and floating in the water. Trump has rejected suggestions that construction flaws, maintenance issues or the pool company he hired were to blame. Instead, he claims the damage was caused by a "350-foot gash" deliberately cut into the pool by vandals. However, when pressed by reporters for evidence, Trump did not substantiate the claims and was reluctant to answer, saying only that photographs would be presented in court. The US president also said six people had been arrested in connection with the alleged vandalism and that seven others were under investigation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later claimed to Fox News that those arrested were "longtime donors to Democrats, Barack Obama and ActBlue" but did not provide supporting details. Questions remain about the vandalism claims. The Washington Post reported that its journalists visited the site and found no visible evidence of the alleged damage. Despite the lack of publicly released proof, security around the monument has been increased, with National Guard personnel and US Park Police reportedly deployed to patrol the Reflecting Pool. The controversy has drawn criticism from Democrats and other public figures. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of focusing on the pool while Americans face soaring costs, and that “America needs a President, not a Pool Boy.” Similarly, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar described the project as an example of the president's "misplaced priorities" whilst Americans struggle. Author Stephen King also weighed in, dismissing claims of widespread vandalism and arguing that the troubled project reflected poor management rather than sabotage. Meanwhile, social media users have circulated videos highlighting Trump's previous comments about the renovation. In May 2026, the president said the upgraded pool would last "50 years" and could not be cut with a knife. Those remarks have been contrasted with his latest claim that the alleged vandalism may have been caused by a box cutter. As of now, the administration has not publicly released evidence supporting its claims that vandalism was responsible for the algae bloom, peeling paint or other issues affecting the Reflecting Pool. Vedika Bahl goes through what we know.
