Trump’s ‘American Flag Blue’ Reflecting Pool Renovation Is Already Bright Green with Algae After $14M ‘Beautification’ (Photos)

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a prominent feature of Washington D.C.’s National Mall, has encountered a setback following a recent $14 million restoration initiative touted by President Donald Trump. After a period of renovation aimed at revitalising the pool and restoring its “American Flag Blue” hue, the water has unexpectedly turned bright green due to an algae bloom just days after it was refilled.

This project has been a focal point for the Trump administration in recent months, with the pool — which stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument — undergoing extensive work over six weeks. The restoration involved draining the existing water, addressing structural leaks, and resurfacing the pool’s bottom and sides with a new paint scheme. However, soon after the renovation concluded and the pool was refilled, the appearance of algae raised questions about the effectiveness of the restoration.

An official spokesperson from the Interior Department provided some context for the sudden appearance of algae, stating it was caused by “residual algae from the supply lines, which have been sitting dormant for eight weeks during the construction process.” They added that this occurrence is a standard aspect of the “normal startup process” for water features following maintenance work. The spokesperson also mentioned that efforts are underway to remove the algae, with “nanobubblers” being implemented to keep the pool clean going forward.

Throughout the renovation process, Trump has used the opportunity to criticise former presidents, specifically Barack Obama and Joe Biden, whom he blames for allowing the Reflecting Pool to fall into disrepair. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, established in 1923, underwent its last major renovation in 2012 that focused on enhancing its circulation and filtration systems. Nevertheless, maintaining the cleanliness of the shallow water feature has proven to be a persistent challenge.

In a recent statement to reporters, Trump expressed skepticism about the longevity of the pool’s cleanliness, suggesting that it might decline into a state of disarray should another administration assume power. He insisted, “when I’m here, it’ll be perfect,” reflecting his commitment to overseeing the pool’s upkeep during his presidency.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the renovation, Trump appears to have remained silent on the latest algae issue, which has been captured in post-restoration photographs. These images reveal the algae-tinged water that has marred the pool’s appearance, contrasting sharply with its freshly painted sides.

Onlookers have documented the situation, capturing visuals of National Park Service workers actively pushing algae toward an aeration area in the centre of the Reflecting Pool. Additionally, ducks were spotted swimming through the affected waters, further indicating the ecological impact of the algae and its presence in the revitalised pool.

The current state of the Reflecting Pool, while disappointing to some, is by no means unprecedented. The shallow design and external factors have historically made it difficult to maintain. The issue of algae blooms is not isolated; the water feature has experienced similar challenges in the past, despite extensive efforts to address its upkeep.

As the Trump administration continues to engage in discussions about the Reflecting Pool’s significance, both historically and symbolically, the recent developments serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in environmental management. With the promise of ongoing maintenance and improvement, time will tell how effectively the new measures will establish a lasting solution for this iconic national landmark.