US liberals add algae to drinks in protest over Reflecting Pool discoloration

In the United States, a movement among some liberal activists has encouraged participants to add green algae to their drinking water as a symbolic protest against the algae discoloration in the National Mall's Reflecting Pool. The trend spread after videos were posted online under the hashtag #StandWithTheScum, with participants saying they were showing solidarity against President Donald Trump. Some bars and restaurants in liberal‑leaning areas began offering algae‑infused drinks, such as “Algae‑tinis.”

Conservative commentator Greg Gutfeld publicly criticized the protest, describing the focus on algae as a “new cause” for the left and arguing that it distracts from other issues. He referred to the protest as an example of “radical left” activism.

The phenomenon has remained largely limited to social‑media posts and a few local establishments, with no reported health concerns or broader policy implications.