Reflecting pool issues were known to workers before vandalism claims, docs show
President Donald Trump attributed issues with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including algae blooms and peeling paint, to "deranged" vandals, claiming they used knives and fertilizer. Government documents obtained by The New York Times, however, indicate that problems with the pool's renova
By Brendan Rascius
President Donald Trump attributed issues with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including algae blooms and peeling paint, to "deranged" vandals, claiming they used knives and fertilizer.
Government documents obtained by The New York Times, however, indicate that problems with the pool's renovation, such as malfunctioning algae-control devices and cuts in the foam layer, were known to workers and predated Trump's vandalism claims.
The renovation, initially projected to cost under $2 million, ultimately exceeded $16 million, with substantial amounts allocated to no-bid contracts for painting and algae control.
House Democrats have launched an investigation into these no-bid contracts, questioning the qualifications of the firms involved and demanding explanations for the project's failures.
Despite Trump's assertions of sabotage and the pool being "beautifully new," workers observed issues with nanobubblers and peeling paint shortly after the $14 million refurbishment was completed in early June.