Drained reflecting pool reveals Trump’s ‘American flag blue’ liner is now closer to gray

Lead

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., has been drained once again, as the ongoing renovation of the iconic landmark continues to face challenges. The pool's liner, which was coated in a shade President Donald Trump described as "American flag blue" earlier this year, has noticeably faded, appearing grayer than when it was first refilled in June, according to an Associated Press reporter and photographer who viewed the pool from the Washington Monument on Wednesday.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, said in an interview released earlier this week that the latest draining was planned. He also suggested that the water might still contain debris from the extensive Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall.

"Drain the water, clean up the fireworks stuff," Burgum told conservative podcaster Katie Miller. "Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again."

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian's reporting highlights the pool's troubled renovation, which has faced algae blooms, peeling liner, and escalating costs. The initial goal of completing the renovation by July 4th, in time for the nation's 250th birthday, was not met, and the project has extended well beyond that deadline.

The renovation cost has ballooned to more than $16 million, far exceeding President Trump's initial suggestion of $1.5 million. The pool, which is 104 years old, was described by Trump as "filthy dirty" early in his second term, and he has sought to make it a symbol of American patriotism by having the liner reflect the hue of the US flag.

This week, crews removed debris that had been visible after the pool's latest draining, according to the Associated Press. The fenced-off pool remains surrounded by a dark perimeter, limiting closer inspection.

Key Claims

• The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is being drained, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stating the action was planned.
• The pool's liner, coated in "American flag blue" earlier this year, has faded and now appears grayer, as observed by an Associated Press reporter and photographer.
• Debris from the Independence Day fireworks display has been removed from the pool.
• Trump's initial goal of completing the renovation by July 4th was not met.
• The renovation's cost has exceeded $16 million, a significant increase from the initial estimate of $1.5 million.
• The project has been hindered by algae blooms and peeling liner, with the Trump administration attributing these issues to vandalism.
• Several people have been arrested in connection with the vandalism claims, including former Olympic cyclist David Hearn, who pleaded not guilty to a felony property destruction charge. Hearn's lawyers stated, "This indictment reflects the administration's effort to shift blame for their own failures. The justice system exists to determine facts, not to provide political cover."
• Critics allege that the problems stem from shoddy repair work rather than vandalism, while Trump has claimed without evidence that vandals made a "350-foot gash" in the liner.
• The project has also faced scrutiny over contractor selection, with reports of some contractors having long ties, though the nature of these ties was not fully detailed in the provided material.