US President Donald Trump has blamed what he called “terrible vandals” for ongoing problems at the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., after a high-cost renovation project faced visible damage, algae growth, and peeling paint.
The Reflecting Pool, a major landmark located near the Lincoln Memorial, was recently drained and repainted as part of a $14 million restoration effort. The project aimed to give the 610-meter-long pool a new “American flag blue” appearance as part of wider improvements to national monuments.
However, shortly after the work was completed, problems emerged. The new coating began to peel, and the water was refilled with green algae. Maintenance teams were later seen pumping out murky water and treating it with hydrogen peroxide in an effort to control the bloom.
Trump said on social media that the renovation had initially worked well but was later damaged by what he described as vandalism. He claimed that unknown individuals had caused serious harm to the structure, including cutting into the surface and using harmful substances. However, he did not provide evidence for these claims.
He also stated that he met with contractors and that parts of the pool may need to be drained again to complete repairs. The full cost of additional work has not been confirmed, but the initial project was widely reported to have cost around $14 million.
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that the pool’s condition had worsened despite ongoing cleaning efforts. Workers have been attempting to remove algae and loose paint, but the water has remained discolored in some areas.
One individual linked to the incident is former Olympian David Hearn, who was briefly detained after touching a loose piece of coating during a visit to the site. Hearn said he was cycling near the Lincoln Memorial and stopped to observe the renovation work.
He stated that he did not damage the structure and only touched a detached piece of material. He also said he was handcuffed and taken into custody without clear explanation of the charge at the time.
Authorities have not released full details regarding arrests or charges related to the Reflecting Pool incident. The National Park Service has also not issued a public confirmation on all reported detentions.
Images from the site show blue paint fragments being removed from the water alongside visible green algae. In some areas, markings were seen in the algae on the pool floor, adding to public attention around the condition of the landmark.
Experts have noted that algae blooms can develop quickly in treated water environments, especially when chemical changes occur. Reports suggest that hydrogen peroxide used in cleaning may have contributed to the growth of a different algae type.
Despite the issues, Trump has said that a large portion of the algae has been cleared and that repairs will continue. He has also defended the overall renovation effort as part of a broader plan to restore major public monuments in Washington.
The Reflecting Pool is one of the most historically significant sites in the United States. It stretches between two major national monuments and has been the backdrop for major public events, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech.
As repair work continues, the project has become a focal point of debate over public spending, restoration quality, and responsibility for damage at one of America’s most symbolic landmarks.
