Workers Clear Algae From $14 Million Lincoln Reflecting Pool as Trump Defends Restoration
Updated
Updated · Global News · Jun 12
Workers Clear Algae From $14 Million Lincoln Reflecting Pool as Trump Defends Restoration
3 articles · Updated · Global News · Jun 12
Summary
$14 million after work began, crews were removing clumps of algae from the newly refilled Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which had just reopened following Trump's push to overhaul it.
The Interior Department said the buildup was residual algae from supply lines left dormant for eight weeks during construction and called it a normal startup issue; officials said nanobubblers should keep the pool algae-free.
Trump had described the 2,000-foot pool as "filthy dirty" and leaking, but his earlier public estimates—$2 million and a matter of weeks—fell well below federal spending records showing a much higher final cost.
The episode adds to scrutiny of Trump's claims about past repairs under Obama and Biden and comes amid a broader remaking of Washington landmarks, including plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch and a White House ballroom.