Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool algae resurfaces after Trump‑led renovation

President Donald Trump’s $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, completed in early June 2026, included repainting the basin, new filtration and a waterproof coating. Within a week of refilling the pool, green algae and organic material reappeared, spreading from a spot near the World War II Memorial. The Interior Department explained that the discoloration is residual algae left dormant in supply lines for about eight weeks during construction, a routine by‑product of restarting the system, and crews are working to clear it.

Conservative media host Grant Stinchfield publicly claimed the algae bloom was sabotage by left‑wing actors, alleging a “nefarious” effort to make the Trump project fail. His comments were broadcast to over 100,000 viewers and framed as a political attack. Officials refuted the conspiracy, describing the algae growth as typical for the shallow, sun‑exposed pool and noting ongoing removal efforts using nanobubble technology.