Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny Over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Repairs

The Trump administration will not seek new bids for repairing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Burgum asserted that vandals were responsible for the damage to the century-old pool on the National Mall.

Burgum explained that a 350-foot gash was reportedly cut into the pool’s liner during recent renovations. However, he described the damage as multiple smaller cuts totaling that length. He mentioned that the pool would need partial draining in the coming week to complete the repairs. New contractors will not be brought in for the repairs.

Burgum stated, “We’ll use the same company, because they did a good job. Thankfully, the vandalism was small, but it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.”

President Donald Trump had announced plans earlier in the year to enhance the Reflecting Pool before the nation’s 250th birthday on July Fourth. During the process, the water was drained, and Trump instructed that the bottom be painted in a shade he labeled “American flag blue.” However, after the restoration, algae appeared on the water’s surface for more than a week, and parts of the new coating began peeling.

The pool remained closed for the Independence Day celebration due to safety concerns linked to fireworks. The ongoing discussion over the Reflecting Pool has become part of a larger debate concerning Trump’s efforts to redesign Washington landmarks.

Authorities have arrested over six individuals related to the Reflecting Pool damage. Among those arrested is former Olympian David Hearn, who faces a felony property destruction indictment.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro accused Hearn of causing more than $1,000 in damage by deliberately ripping up newly installed sealant. Pirro stated that Hearn “forcefully and violently” pulled up the liner “with both hands.”

Hearn’s lawyers, Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, described the charges as “outrageous,” arguing the case reflects “the misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen.”

Burgum did not provide a definitive answer regarding photographic evidence of vandalism. When questioned about the potential prison sentence for Hearn, Burgum commented that the legal system would make that determination.

There are also questions about the no-bid contracts related to the project, awarded to vendors with previous connections to Trump. Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a contract worth $1.7 million to install a water-purification system. Meanwhile, Atlantic Industrial Coatings from Virginia was contracted $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s floor.

Several Democratic senators and House members are investigating the pool project. Last month, a letter from six senators called for a full explanation of the project failures and accountability for corrections.