Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Flushed Amid Renovation Dispute

The National Park Service partially refilled the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday to flush out clogged supply pipes, noting that more than half of the 58 ports were deemed non‑functioning due to buildup. Signage at the site blamed the problem on "years of neglect by previous administrations," echoing President Donald Trump's criticism of earlier work.

The pool, built in the 1920s, has long suffered leaks. A $35 million renovation under President Barack Obama in the 2010s added a treatment plant but did not resolve pipe or slab leaks. Trump's $16 million spring renovation was limited to repainting the bottom and installing a new filtration system, leaving the original pipes untouched. Subsequent issues included algae blooms, a peeling liner, and accusations of vandalism. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dismissed four related cases, stating evidence showed the damage stemmed from a flawed renovation rather than intentional sabotage.