A high-profile renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ordered by Donald Trump is facing fresh scrutiny after sections of a newly applied blue coating appeared to peel away and algae returned to the water just days after the project was completed.
Visitors to the National Mall on Thursday observed a flap of blue material partially detached from the bottom of the reflecting pool and floating toward the surface. The discovery comes amid ongoing efforts by federal officials to address water discoloration and algae growth that have persisted despite a multi-million-dollar overhaul.
The project was part of Trump’s broader initiative to beautify Washington, D.C., and included recoating the bottom of the iconic pool in what Trump described as “American flag blue.” The renovation was intended to improve the appearance of the century-old landmark and resolve longstanding maintenance issues.
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The Department of the Interior did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the peeling material or whether repairs would be necessary.
Experts Question Whether Problem Is Isolated
The cause of the apparent coating failure remains unclear.
Eddie Wood, owner of Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the Virginia-based contractor hired to renovate the pool, said photographs and videos of the issue were insufficient to determine exactly what had come loose from the pool floor.
“There’s several things that we’ve got to address when we come back for maintenance, and anything like that will be addressed, if it’s a problem,” Wood said.
Industry experts say coating failures can occur for a variety of reasons, including improper surface preparation, environmental conditions, contamination, adhesion problems or product selection.
Tim Auerhahn, chairman of the Aquatic Council and a pool infrastructure specialist, said the key question is whether the issue is limited to one area or indicative of a broader problem.
“If the coating is losing adhesion in multiple locations, that could indicate a more significant concern,” Auerhahn said.
Algae Problems Reappear
The peeling material is the latest setback for a project that was already struggling with familiar challenges.
Not long after the reflecting pool was refilled earlier this month, algae growth began discoloring portions of the water, prompting remediation efforts by federal crews.
Workers were recently seen pouring hydrogen peroxide into the pool and deploying what Interior Department officials described as “advanced nanobubbler technology” designed to improve water quality and combat algae blooms.
Despite those measures, large sections of the pool remained green Thursday, with visible algae still present.
Project Costs Have Climbed
The renovation has also drawn attention because of its escalating price tag.
Initially projected to cost approximately $1.8 million, contract records now show the project grew to roughly $14.7 million. The contract was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, according to Interior Department records.
The reflecting pool has a long history of maintenance challenges. A major $34 million renovation completed during the Obama administration in 2012 sought to eliminate chronic algae blooms and improve water circulation. However, critics said many of the same issues soon returned, including murky water, algae buildup and unpleasant odors.
Trump frequently cited those problems when ordering a new restoration effort after returning to office.
Part of a Larger Washington Makeover
The reflecting pool project is one of several high-profile initiatives launched as part of Trump’s effort to reshape the nation’s capital.
Other proposals include construction of a new ballroom adjacent to the White House, a monumental arch near Arlington National Cemetery, and a “National Garden of American Heroes” featuring hundreds of statues honoring prominent figures in American history.
Whether the peeling blue coating represents a minor maintenance issue or a larger construction flaw remains uncertain. But the latest problems are likely to intensify questions about the effectiveness of the costly renovation and whether it has succeeded in resolving the reflecting pool’s decades-old maintenance challenges.
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