Key facts
- Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool for a second time due to issues with its recent revamp.
- Problems with peeling coating and algae blooms emerged shortly after the initial completion.
- President Trump attributed the damage to vandalism, while critics suggest poor repair work.
- Debris from a large Independence Day fireworks display is also cited as a factor.
- The Trump administration intends to use the same contractors for the new repairs.
- Democratic lawmakers are investigating the project's funding.
Crews have begun draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to revamp the landmark, a project that has faced significant issues. The initial renovation, intended to be completed before the nation's 250th birthday celebrations, experienced problems within weeks of its completion, including an algae bloom and peeling coating.
President Trump directed that the bottom be painted what he called "American flag blue," but problems quickly arose. Trump has blamed vandalism for the peeling, though critics suggest the issue stems from shoddy repair work. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the draining was planned to clean up debris from an extensive Independence Day fireworks display and to repair alleged vandalism.
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, has pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the pool, asserting he was examining the sealant when told to let go of a piece. Other individuals have also been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing paint from the pool. Despite the issues, the Trump administration plans to use the same contractors for the new repairs. Democratic lawmakers are investigating the project's funding.