Interior Secretary Contradicts Trump on 350-Foot Lincoln Pool Damage as $15 Million Project Stalls
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 5
Interior Secretary Contradicts Trump on 350-Foot Lincoln Pool Damage as $15 Million Project Stalls
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 5
Summary
Doug Burgum said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s algae came from pipes during refilling, undercutting Trump’s claim that vandals caused the bloom.
Trump’s administration still says vandals slashed about 350 feet of gashes into the pool’s coating, and Burgum rejected suggestions that official vehicles damaged the freshly painted surface.
$15 million in renovations remain unfinished after missing Trump’s July 4 target, with the pool set to be drained again so workers can reapply the aqua-blue coating.
The dispute has become the latest setback for Trump’s Washington beautification push, which has drawn scrutiny over cost overruns, repeated closures and aggressive vandalism arrests.