Topline
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained for the third time in as many months Friday, the latest renovation measure taken as algae blooms and peeled sealant have extended President Donald Trump’s makeover of the landmark to more than two months.
Key Facts
Photos of Friday’s partial drain show crews using a pump on the pool’s north side to extract water into a nearby manhole.
The Reflecting Pool was also drained Sunday following the Fourth of July, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum telling conservative podcaster Katie Miller the removal of water was needed to remove July Fourth fireworks debris.
Burgum also said Sunday’s draining was needed to repair the alleged vandalism done against the pool, which the Trump administration has claimed is the cause of renovation setbacks.
Naturally occurring algae blooms and peeled sealant have been consistent problems since the renovation began, pushing it well past the approximate two-week timeline Trump initially provided in April, with the algae continuing to turn the pool’s water green as recently as Friday morning.
Big Number
More than $16 million. That was the latest estimated cost of the Reflecting Pool makeover.
Key Background
Trump initially estimated the renovation would cost $1.8 million and claimed the new sealant could not be cut. Six people have been arrested on vandalism charges related to the pool, with Trump repeatedly claiming over the last few weeks they were to blame for the renovation’s issues, though little public evidence has been released. He also suggested those arrested should spend years behind bars, pointing to a federal statute that carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison for the destruction or defacing of federal property. Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, the highest-profile arrest made among the alleged vandals, pleaded not guilty to his charge Thursday, with his attorneys arguing the count was “based on a false and politicized narrative.” The pool’s renovations have taken well over two months since starting in late April.
Further Reading
Former Olympian Accused Of Vandalizing Reflecting Pool Pleads Not Guilty (Forbes)
Trump Says More Reflecting Pool Arrests Coming: ‘These People Are Sick’ (Forbes)
Trump Says Alleged Reflecting Pool Vandals Should Be Jailed ‘For A Long Time’ (Forbes)