Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained and will be ‘put back into service soon’
Crews are removing 4 million gallons of water to inspect damage, clear fireworks debris and address algae and peeling coating, officials said.
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained yet again, as the Trump administration struggles to resolve persistent, high-profile issues plaguing its recent multimillion-dollar renovation.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed the planned draining began shortly after July 4, explaining that crews need to clear out debris from the massive Independence Day fireworks show, assess structural damage, and refill it.
- The administration continues to blame the pool's peeling lining on "vandals," with the National Park Service alleging that a sharp knife or razor was deliberately used to slash the newly applied sealant. Multiple individuals, including a former Olympic cyclist, have been arrested and charged.
- Critics and defense lawyers argue the "vandalism" claims are a political scapegoat meant to cover up shoddy workmanship. Within days of the pool's June reopening, the newly applied "American Flag Blue" coating began peeling and the water was hit with severe algae blooms.
- Congressional Democrats are investigating the project's ballooning costs, raising questions about nepotism and why a project Trump initially claimed would cost $1.5 million to $2 million ultimately resulted in more than $16 million in taxpayer-funded, no-bid contracts.
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The White House attributes the deterioration to acts of vandalism, while experts and opponents point to flaws in renovation works; research on the use of public funds progresses
The famous Mirror Pond (Reflecting Pool) in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington has been drained again. US President Donald Trump justified the work with serious damage caused by Vandalen. However, public evidence of these allegations was still not provided by his government. Trump stated on Monday on his platform Truth Social that the pond had to be emptied to "repair the scars and damage caused by the vandals two weeks ago." For this, …
Photos of Drained Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Show Unexpected Marks as Repair Debate Continues
WASHINGTON — New images from the drained Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appear to show tire-like markings across sections of the exposed basin floor, adding another layer of questions surrounding a troubled renovation project at one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks, according to Forbes.
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