Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Liner Fades After Drainage, Repairs Delayed

The bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, recently drained for maintenance, appears noticeably faded, with the protective coating described by the president as “American flag blue” now looking more gray than when the pool was refilled in early June. The pool, which was drained and cleared of debris earlier this week, remains fenced off, preventing a close-up inspection.

The renovation, initially promised to be completed by July 4 for the nation’s 250th anniversary, has been delayed and its cost has risen from an estimated $1.5 million to over $16 million. Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the concrete floor.

“Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in an interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller, referring to the plan after debris from Independence Day fireworks is cleared.

Authorities reported a June 9 incident in which a sharp object allegedly cut the new liner. Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the pool, claiming he only examined the peeled sealant after a park worker’s instruction. Three other individuals have also faced misdemeanor charges for allegedly removing paint from the pool and have pleaded not guilty.

Critics have questioned the quality of the work and suggested that the president’s claims of vandalism lack supporting evidence, noting that no large cuts were visible from the monument’s viewpoint.