Trump unveils latest repairs to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC
The renovation project, originally estimated at $1.8 million, has seen total spending exceed $16 million following coating failures and algae growth.
US President Donald Trump visited the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, on November 2, 2026, to present the latest repairs to the landmark. According to the Times of India, the project follows issues where the intended blue coating peeled and algae spread through the water.
The initial renovation aimed to address maintenance problems before the United States' 250th anniversary in July 2026. However, after the pool was refilled in June, the blue finish turned green due to algae, and the coating began peeling away from the bottom.
To fix these issues, the pool was drained so workers could remove damaged sections, address leaks, and change materials used around expansion joints. Trump noted that the improvements included new pipework, water circulation equipment, and algae-control measures.
The Washington Post reported that recent inspections showed uneven colouring, patches of lighter blue, and cracked sections. The Interior Department attributed lighter patches to excess coating and suggested some damage was caused by vandalism.
The project's cost has risen significantly from an initial estimate of $1.8 million. Federal records show the main resurfacing contract with Atlantic Industrial Coatings reached approximately $14.7 million, while a $1.74 million contract was awarded to Green Water Solutions for an algae-control system.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings had previously identified that insufficient primer and incompatible chemical materials caused the underlying layer to blister and detach. The pool is currently open to visitors.
