Key facts
- Democrats are demanding investigations into the $14.7 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- Concerns include alleged corruption, lack of transparency, and incompetence in the project's handling.
- Two contractors, Green Water Solutions and Atlantic Industrial Coatings, received no-bid contracts totaling over $16 million.
- Problems include algae blooms and peeling paint shortly after completion.
- President Trump has blamed vandals for the issues, though no evidence has been publicly released.
- Enhanced security measures, including National Guard patrols and surveillance cameras, are in place around the pool.
The U.S. security apparatus is maintaining a visible presence at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been marred by green algae and peeling paint following a $14.7 million renovation. National Guard troops, light towers, and surveillance cameras now surround the landmark.
President Donald Trump has alleged that vandals caused damage and introduced chemicals to create the algae blooms, though he has presented no evidence to support these claims. The Department of the Interior confirmed six arrests for alleged vandalism and is investigating a reported 'gash' in the pool, but has not released names or specific charges. Court records have not yet shown cases related to the alleged vandalism.
One individual arrested, former U.S. Olympian David Hearn, denies destroying property and states his lawyer believes the criminal justice system is being used to distract from questions about the project's management. Tourists expressed sadness at the increased security presence, with some noting the pool looks acceptable despite the issues.
The renovation was completed shortly before the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4th, a deadline Trump had personally taken interest in. The pool's blue color was intended to be a patriotic symbol, but algae blooms have been a persistent problem in the past.