Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained and will be ‘put back into service soon’
Crews are removing water to inspect damage, clear fireworks debris and address algae and peeling coating after the latest renovation setbacks.
- The National Park Service began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, July 10, 2026, to remove fireworks debris and repair the liner, marking the second such maintenance operation in recent months.
- President Donald Trump claimed on July 13 that vandals caused a 300-yard gash in the pool liner, calling those responsible "Country hating sleazebags" while attributing algae blooms and peeling paint to sabotage.
- Observers and journalists on-site reported no visible gash as the pool drained, with photographic evidence suggesting the markings were tire tracks from Trump's May motorcade drive rather than vandalism.
- Multiple individuals, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, face federal charges for alleged destruction of property; Hearn pleaded not guilty to vandalism connected to the pool's liner.
- The $14.7 million renovation contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings has faced persistent setbacks since April, with no definitive timeline yet provided for when the pool will be refilled.
110 Articles
110 Articles
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained again for repairs after setbacks
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been completely drained as crew members initiate another round of repairs following months of persistent complications at the iconic National Mall landmark.
Trump Condemns Vandalism as Reflecting Pool Drained Again
President Trump said that the Reflecting Pool will soon reopen after it was drained for repairs. “We drained the beautiful ‘Reflecting Pool’ today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago. We wanted to wait until after the July 4th Weekend,” he shared on Truth Social on Monday. “The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs. The P…
The White House attributes the deterioration to acts of vandalism, while experts and opponents point to flaws in renovation works; research on the use of public funds progresses
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
