Donald Trump recently boasted about his $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, promising it would be filled with "CLEAN, BEAUTIFUL WATER" that would "SPARKLE magnificently." However, recent photos and videos captured by photographer Andrew Leyden and shared on X show the pool looking "quite green" on Sunday morning, contradicting the president's claims.
Algae Resurfaces Despite Renovations
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has a history of algae problems. Trump had criticized the pool as being filled with "garbage" and "dirt, grime and decay," using this to justify the renovations and attack his predecessors. A $34 million renovation during the Obama administration in 2012 also saw algae return shortly after completion. Now, despite Trump's claims of having "fixed" the issue, algae has reappeared.
An Interior Department spokesperson told The Washington Post that the algae is "residual" from supply lines that were dormant during construction, calling it "part of the normal startup process." The spokesperson added, "We are removing the algae, and the nanobubblers will maintain the pool and keep it algae-free."
Social Media Mockery
Critics on social media quickly seized on the situation. One user joked that the pool was emitting "Iranian flag green," referencing Trump's promise that the pool would be an "American flag blue." Another sarcastically wished Trump a happy birthday, saying he had "renewed and invigorated the Swamp." Other comments included: "Photosynthesis is bipartisan…?" and "And it only cost $14 Million of your tax dollars."
Photographer Claude Taylor noted, "I’ve lived in and around DC since 1993. I’ve photographed the Reflecting Pool but have never seen it look this bad. Bravo, Trump." Another user quipped, "$13 million paint job so ducks can paddle around in puke green water."
The pool's condition continues to be a source of embarrassment for the Trump administration, highlighting the challenges of maintaining historic landmarks in Washington, D.C.
