The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a $14 million renovation under the Trump administration, aiming to resurface it with an "American Flag Blue" finish and solve algae and maintenance problems [1, 2]. However, despite completion of resurfacing work on June 3, 2026, the pool quickly developed a green algae bloom within days [1, 2]. Photos from June 7 showed a dark blue color, but by June 16 the pool had turned bright green again due to algae regrowth [1, 2].
Workers applied multiple algae treatments, including dumping 12% hydrogen peroxide into the water. The Department of the Interior said hydrogen peroxide is a milder, wildlife-safe alternative to chlorine [1]. Interior spokesperson Katie Martin said the administration is also using ozone nanobubbler technology that has "successfully destroyed the algae bloom that has plagued every pool reopening since 1922" [1]. She called the green tint residual algae from supply lines and said it is part of the pool's "normal startup process" [2].
The pool suffers from longstanding structural challenges caused by unstable mudflats that create leaks and cracks [2]. The recent resurfacing applied a blue-tinted sealant to concrete slabs but did not fix the underlying structural flaws [2]. Satellite and aerial photos confirmed the initial dark blue color shifted quickly to green algae cover [1, 2].
Trump has blamed previous costly renovations under Obama and Biden administrations, which he said failed to fix the pool properly. Katie Martin defended Trump's effort as fixing the Reflecting Pool "for good," unlike the prior $34 million renovation by Obama-Biden she called "failed and extremely costly" [1, 2].
Reported renovation costs vary slightly, with figures of $14.2 million and $14.8 million cited [1, 2]. The renovation was announced in April 2026, and the Reflecting Pool was refilled starting June 4, 2026 [1, 2].
Officials continue monitoring the algae issue and applying treatments. The pool’s maintenance will remain under review as efforts advance to keep it clear and functional.
