Lincoln Reflecting Pool Drained Again, Sidewalks Shut Until Mid-August After June Refill Failed
Updated
Updated · NBC Washington · Jul 14
Lincoln Reflecting Pool Drained Again, Sidewalks Shut Until Mid-August After June Refill Failed
3 articles · Updated · NBC Washington · Jul 14
Summary
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained again after thick algae appeared and sections of its blue-coated bottom began peeling soon after it reopened in early June.
Mid-August is now the earliest nearby sidewalks may reopen, with fencing up around the pool and debris visible in the drained basin.
Trump had blamed vandalism, citing a 290- to 300-foot slit, but local TV footage said it could not independently verify any long continuous cut and no direct evidence has been released.
Four people have been charged in connection with chipped paint at the pool, and all have pleaded not guilty.
The setback hits a high-profile renovation Trump announced in April, months after he touted the project and even drove his motorcade on the pool's surface during the work.