Lincoln Reflecting Pool Algae Bloom, Peeling Paint after $14M Renovation

A $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, ordered by President Donald Trump, resurfaced the historic basin with an “American Flag Blue” sealant. Within days of reopening, a fluorescent green algae bloom turned the water murky. National Park Service crews responded by treating the water with hydrogen peroxide and “advanced nanobubbler technology,” which officials said “very effectively killed the algae.”

At the same time, workers and observers reported sections of the new blue coating peeling away or developing rips, described as “blue material … peeling off” and “delamination.” The contract for the work was awarded without competitive bidding, sparking criticism over cost and procurement. The Interior Department has launched an internal review of the coating failure, while the public and analysts question the project’s value and execution.

The incident has become a focal point for political criticism of the Trump administration’s spending on Washington’s landmarks ahead of the nation’s 250th‑anniversary celebrations.