The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained once more to address yet another set of issues, adding to the challenges faced during President Trump’s extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation of this iconic landmark in Washington, D.C.
Originally, the aim was to have the Reflecting Pool fully restored and available for public enjoyment by July 4, coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. However, the project hit several snags, including visible peeling paint on its surface and unpleasant green algae blooms populating the water. These setbacks have necessitated further repairs and adjustments.
These delays were met with disappointment by many of the visitors who had come to Washington with the hope of witnessing the newly enhanced pool during the Independence Day festivities.
“It kind of makes me sad a little bit,” Lindsay Anderson, a tourist from Nebraska, expressed to DC News Now.
“I think it’s unfortunate that a lot of people are here in our nation’s capital,” she added, reflecting the sentiments of many who had hoped for a completed project.
Anderson continued: “We’re here to see it, and we can’t really.”
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in an interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller that the repairs were planned to fix reported vandalism as well as any debris that may have fallen into the water from the massive 4th of July fireworks display over the National Mall.
“Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff,” Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, told Miller. “Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again.”
Trump has insisted that vandals were responsible for the damage to the 2,082-foot pool’s newly installed liner, and several arrests have been made in connection to vandalism.
Former Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty this week to a federal charge accusing him of damaging the pool’s two square foot sealant. He has denied allegations from prosecutors that he “forcefully and violently” ripped up the pool’s bottom liner, causing $1,000 in damage.