Trump blames vandalism for algae bloom after Reflecting Pool renovation
The Interior Department finished a $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and President Donald Trump later blamed vandalism for the algae bloom and peeling paint that appeared soon after. The Guardian reported that the 104-year-old pool was refurbished under a no-bid contract, prompting mixed reactions. Days after the work, The New York Times noted algae reappearing in the water, and Forbes said the newly treated pool was cleared but green discoloration returned. Subsequent reports from the Guardian and the National Park Service described a resurgence of algae and the deployment of a water-treatment system, while NBC News said the agency was applying chemical treatments. Interior Department officials later claimed the water was clear even as workers continued to combat algae, according to the Guardian. WTOP reported that the dark blue paint applied to the pool’s bottom began to peel, and The New York Times noted ongoing problems with the repainting.
CBS News disclosed that a $1. 7 million no-bid contract was awarded to Green Water Solutions, a firm owned by Trump donor John J. Cafaro, to install a nano-bubble filtration system. The Los Angeles Times added that nutrient-rich water and high temperatures fueled the bloom, prompting further chemical treatment. The New York Times later described the combined issues of algae growth and paint peeling as evidence of durability concerns. Finally, the Guardian quoted President Trump saying vandalism was responsible for the algae and paint problems, while Interior Department officials said treatment efforts continued.
