For the first time since July, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has water in it again and, as of late Monday afternoon, was partially refilled.
By now, most every Washingtonian knows the Reflecting Pool’s recent saga: It was drained in the spring as part of President Trump’s nearly $16 million renovation project. Shortly after that work was done, algae blooms filled the pool again and the new “American flag blue” coating began to peel. While President Trump alleged that vandals were responsible for destroying the coating, the contractor tasked with the renovation later said that its flawed work caused the peeling. On July 10, the pool was once again drained to repair the lining.
Speaking with reporters last week, President Trump announced that the Reflecting Pool was “totally complete.” As of Monday afternoon, water already filled the middle of the pool, while the edges along its length were still dry. Visitors to the Lincoln Memorial paused to peek through the fencing.
“The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being refilled as the National Park Service and contractors put the final touches on a historic effort to clean, repair, and beautify this iconic national landmark,” a sign from the National Park Service reads.
