JULY 11, 2026
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Drained Again as Trump's Renovation Project Faces Continued Problems
Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday to begin a new round of repairs, weeks after the initial renovation was completed. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the draining was planned and cited the need to remove fireworks debris from the July 4 celebration and repair damage attributed to vandalism. Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony destruction of property charge related to a June 19 incident at the pool; at least three other people face misdemeanor charges and also pleaded not guilty.
President Donald Trump ordered renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool earlier this year, directing that its concrete floor be repainted what he described as "American flag blue," with a goal of completing the work before July 4 to mark the nation's 250th birthday. In May, Trump posted on Truth Social that the project was "ahead of schedule."
Problems emerged shortly after the initial work was finished. An algae bloom appeared in the pool, and sections of the new blue coating began peeling from the bottom. Court documents showed the National Park Service reported to U.S. Park Police a June 9 incident in which a sharp knife or razor cut the pool's new liner; approximately 70 fence post caps were also thrown into the water. Trump declared victory over the algae the Sunday before July 4, sharing photos on Truth Social showing the pool appearing clear and blue.
The pool was closed during the Independence Day celebration. Burgum told conservative podcaster Katie Miller — wife of deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller — that the new draining was planned and that crews needed to remove fireworks debris left behind from the National Mall display. "Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff," Burgum said. "Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again." Burgum also told CNN's "State of the Union" that the administration would not seek new bids for the repairs, saying: "We'll use the same company because they did a fantastic job."