this Lincoln Memorial Washington, D.C.’s Reflecting Pool made headlines after a blue substance appeared on its surface just days after the president ordered a major renovation Donald Trump. CNN reported that a piece of blue material was seen partially detaching from the pool floor on Thursday.
The material floats toward the surface while keeping one end attached. It was unclear whether the substance was paint, sealant or other coatings used during the renovation.
What happened to the Reflecting Pool?
The pool has been alternating between different shades of green for several days, so it’s difficult to ensure it displays the President of the United States’ favorite hue.
The issue surfaced as officials were already battling algae growth in newly renovated pools. Just weeks ago, the iconic National Mall attraction was drained, repainted and refilled in Trump’s renovation project, which he dubbed “American Flag Blue” to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The project was originally estimated to cost $1.8 million. However, federal contract records now show the cost has risen to about $14.7 million.
On June 6, Trump said the swimming pool project was completed.
On Tuesday, staff wearing waders were spotted trying to remove dark green spots from the pool and fish out algae, while pouring in hydrogen peroxide, The Guardian reported.
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$14.7 million project
The historic pool was drained and redone in a multimillion-dollar no-bid contract as part of Trump’s ambitious plan to transform the nation’s capital.
Other plans include demolishing the East Wing of the White House to make way for a new ballroom and building a massive arch near Arlington National Cemetery to honor the country’s war dead and other notable Americans.
In his reinvention efforts, Trump has been criticized for rushing past planning processes designed to maintain Washington’s carefully planned appearance.
His government, however, dismissed the criticism as partisan sniping while praising property developers for their construction prowess.
“The water in the Reflecting Pool is crystal clear, and our National Park Service teams are now clearing dead algae from the bottom of certain portions of the Reflecting Pool, much like the Iranian navy that was destroyed at the bottom of the Persian Gulf,” the U.S. Interior Department said in a statement.
