The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, recently drained, has shown noticeable fading of its protective liner, originally described by former President Donald Trump as 'American flag blue.' An Associated Press team observed the pool from the Washington Monument, noting that the liner now appears grayer than when it was repainted and refilled in early June. Debris previously visible in the drained pool has been cleared by work crews.
The renovation project, which was initially expected to cost $1.5 million, has reportedly exceeded $16 million. Trump had claimed the repairs would last a century, but shortly after completion, the pool experienced an algae bloom and signs of peeling on the new coating.
Green Water Solutions received a $1.7 million contract for a water-purification system, while Atlantic Industrial Coatings was contracted for $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool's concrete floor.
Trump has attributed the issues to vandalism, claiming that a '350-foot gash' was made in the liner, although no significant damage was visible during the recent inspection. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the plan is to repair any vandalism and refill the pool after cleaning it post-Independence Day fireworks.
Court documents reveal that the National Park Service reported an incident involving damage to the liner, and former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the Reflecting Pool. His defense argues that he is being unfairly targeted for the renovation's shortcomings. Three others have also faced misdemeanor charges related to the pool's condition, all pleading not guilty.