Donald Trump orders draining of Washington’s Reflecting Pool over algae and alleged vandalism

The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, recently renovated at a cost of around $14 million, developed a rapid algae bloom within days of being refilled. President Donald Trump announced plans to partially drain the pool to allow repairs, blaming “shameful vandalism” for the damage. He claimed unidentified persons cut a 75‑meter slit in the new surface and poured corrosive chemicals into the water, although no evidence was provided.

The Interior Department has been treating the water with hydrogen peroxide and a high‑tech nanobubble‑ozone system to control the algae. Experts note that nutrient levels, especially phosphates and nitrogen from the Tidal Basin water, can fuel such blooms and that the problem is not new – a similar issue occurred after a 2012 refilling.

Authorities have opened an investigation into possible sabotage. One arrest was made: former Olympic canoeist David Hearn was detained after he reached into the water to retrieve a piece of material that had detached from the pool’s bottom. Trump promised swift repairs and has criticized previous administrations for alleged inaction.

The incident has drawn public and media attention as the pool is a symbolic site on the National Mall, and it highlights ongoing debates over the management of federal monuments.