President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool may need to be drained for additional repairs following a series of issues that surfaced shortly after the landmark reopened from a major renovation project.
Trump said repair work would begin immediately to address problems that have emerged at the iconic Washington attraction. The Reflecting Pool had recently reopened after a $14 million overhaul that included leak repairs, installation of a new filtration system, and application of a blue protective liner. The administration had promoted the project as a significant improvement to one of the nation's most recognizable monuments.
However, the renovation has faced scrutiny after several problems appeared within weeks of reopening. A widespread algae bloom turned large portions of the water green, while visitors also reported seeing sections of the newly applied coating peeling away from the bottom of the pool.
Reports published Friday indicated that substantial portions of the coating had detached, leaving visible gaps in the pool's surface. The extent of the damage raised questions about the durability of the renovation work and whether additional repairs would be necessary.
Trump attributed the damage to vandalism, claiming that multiple individuals had been arrested by U.S. Park Police in connection with incidents at the Reflecting Pool. He alleged that vandals caused significant damage to the new surface and introduced harmful chemicals into the water, while also damaging surrounding landscaping.
The administration has not provided evidence supporting those allegations, and federal agencies responsible for the site—including the U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, and Department of the Interior—have not publicly commented on the claims.
Questions have also emerged regarding the nature of the reported damage. Industry observers noted that the new coating used in the renovation differs from traditional pool liners and resembles a protective painted surface rather than a plastic membrane that could be easily cut or torn.
One arrest connected to the controversy involved David Hearn, a three-time Olympic canoe slalom competitor. Hearn was detained Friday after visiting the Reflecting Pool during a long-distance bicycle ride.
According to Hearn's account, he noticed a section of the coating already peeling away from the pool floor and touched the loose material out of curiosity. He maintains that he did not remove or damage any part of the surface. Authorities arrested him on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property, and he is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9.
Hearn spent several hours in custody before being released later that evening. He has denied any involvement in damaging the Reflecting Pool and said he was surprised by the arrest.
The situation has fueled debate over whether vandalism is responsible for the pool's problems or whether flaws in the renovation itself may have contributed. Observers have pointed out that even if portions of the coating were pulled loose by visitors, that alone would not explain the algae bloom or reports that sections of the coating were already detaching from the bottom of the pool.
