Crews drain Trump’s troubled reflecting pool again

Crews were observed Friday draining the plagued Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, a landmark at the heart of Donald Trump’s mission to beautify Washington DC. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told conservative podcaster Katie Miller that the water might still contain debris from an extensive Independence Day fireworks display and that draining was planned to clean it.

Early into his second term, Trump set his gaze on the 104-year-old pool, describing it as “filthy dirty” and blaming predecessor Joe Biden’s administration for lack of maintenance. He has sought to make the pool a symbol of American patriotism by having the liner coating the bottom reflect the hue of the US flag. However, the renovation has been plagued by algae blooms that turned the water greenish and peeling blue liner, with estimated costs soaring to over $16 million as of June.

The Trump administration has blamed “vandals” for the issues. Several people have been arrested related to unsubstantiated claims, including former Olympic cyclist David Hearn, who pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of property destruction. Hearn’s lawyers called the indictment an effort to shift blame for the administration’s failures.

The overhaul has also been scrutinized for potential nepotism, as some contractors selected have long ties to Trump. Burgum said the administration won’t seek bids for new repairs, using the same companies. Ohio-based Green Water Solutions was awarded a $1.7 million contract for a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings received $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s floor.

Democratic senators and House members are investigating the project, including taxpayer funding. The pool was closed for the Fourth of July celebration, and Trump has said it would be drained again as part of repairs, aiming for completion before the nation’s 250th birthday.