Washington crews begin second drainage of Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool amid waste and mismanagement
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The National Park Service has started draining the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool again, highlighting ongoing repair failures, ballooning costs, and questionable priorities while authorities scapegoat individuals for systemic issues.
Workers began draining the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on Friday, marking yet another round of repairs overseen by the National Park Service. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum claimed the operation was planned, but the pool still contains debris from the recent Independence Day fireworks, a symbol of wasteful celebrations prioritized over meaningful community investment.
The pool, a 104-year-old public space on the National Mall, has become a site of mismanaged renovation under the current administration. The project, which aims to repaint the liner in a shade called 'American flag blue' and address recurring algae and peeling paint, has seen its estimated cost soar to over $16 million. This massive overspending has drawn the attention of congressional investigators who are finally questioning the use of public funds.
Instead of addressing the root causes of the project’s failures, authorities have focused on alleged acts of vandalism, arresting individuals such as former Olympic cyclist David Hearn. Hearn has pleaded not guilty to a felony property-destruction charge, with his attorneys rightly arguing that the indictment is an attempt to deflect blame from those truly responsible for the project’s mismanagement.
The administration has funneled $1.7 million to Ohio-based Green Water Solutions for a water-purification system and $14.7 million to Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings for repainting and waterproofing. Burgum has indicated the same contractor will continue to profit from the current repairs, citing 'satisfactory performance' despite the ongoing problems.
Democratic members of the Senate and House are investigating the pool’s funding and procurement, seeking long-overdue transparency and accountability for how taxpayer money is being squandered.