The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation hit another snag this week. Crews drained the historic Washington, D.C., landmark for additional repairs after discovering peeling paint and green algae growth, according to The Hill. The problems surfaced just as the multimillion-dollar restoration was supposed to be ready for July 4 celebrations on the National Mall.
Visitors who traveled to the capital for the holiday were disappointed to find the pool empty. "It kind of makes me sad a little bit," Nebraska visitor Lindsay Anderson told DC News Now. "We're here to see it, and we can't really."
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the latest work was planned to address reported vandalism and remove debris from the July 4 fireworks show. "Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff," Burgum said in an interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller. "Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again."
President Trump has blamed vandals for damaging the pool's newly installed liner. Several arrests have been made in connection with alleged vandalism. Former Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty to a federal charge alleging he damaged about 2 square feet of the pool's sealant. Prosecutors say he "forcefully and violently" damaged the liner, causing about $1,000 in damage. Hearn has denied the allegations.
Last month, Trump said the pool would be drained after July 4 for repairs. Soon after a more than $13 million renovation, algae reappeared despite new water-cleaning technology. The Interior Department said the algae was dead and part of the system's startup process.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the project, calling it a "reflecting pool debacle" and accusing Trump of focusing on the renovation instead of broader economic issues.
