president Donald Trump Recognizing Washington, D.C.’s Iconic Reflecting pool The company encountered “genuine problems” after a $14.2 million renovation, which it claimed without providing evidence was caused by vandalism and chemical damage.
Just days ago, the government defended the condition of the pool despite reports of algae blooms and peeling blue paint shortly after renovations were completed.
In a lengthy Truth Society post on Friday, Trump highlighted his administration’s work to restore landmarks across the nation’s capital before turning to reflecting pools. “We have cleaned, renovated and beautified 45 monuments and memorials, 28 statues and 22 fountains in Washington, D.C.,” Trump wrote.
He went on to acknowledge the difficulties at the site, saying: “We had some real vandalism issues at the beautiful reflecting pool that’s located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.”
The president also mentioned that “86 47” was carved into a nearby lawn, then claimed that the newly renovated swimming pool was deliberately damaged.
“No different than the chemicals used on the National Mall, they are using similar chemicals in the Reflecting Pool in an attempt to destroy and demean our beautiful creations,” Trump claimed, but he did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
Also read: Reflecting Pool Algae Row: Who is Jonathan Carr? Trump rebukes ABC reporter, blames saboteurs
Trump added that the algae problem was “75 percent gone” and said law enforcement was “actively investigating the situation.”
After renovation, algae bloomed and paint peeled off
The Guardian reported that Trump ordered the renovations as part of preparations for the 250th anniversary celebrations to give the reflecting pool an “American flag blue” appearance.
However, within days of the renovation, the water turned green due to algae blooms. Large swaths of blue paint were also seen peeling off the pots and floating on the surface.
National Park Service employees were then dispatched to use skimmers to remove the algae and treat the water with hydrogen peroxide.
Also read: Trump releases video of AI filling reflecting pool with cryer’s ‘tears’; strange clip seen
Earlier this week, the Interior Department said “advanced nanobubble technology” was “very effective at killing the algae,” and National Park Service staff were removing the remaining dead algae from the bottom of the pool.
Despite this statement, the Guardian reported that murky water, visible algae and peeling paint remained late in the week.
Olympian arrested for touching pool lining
On Friday, when the three-time U.S. Olympian and kayaker David Hearn Arrested after entering the reflecting pool.
Hearn told The Washington Post that he was riding his bike nearby when he noticed part of the blue lining coming off and reached into the water to check.
“I didn’t break anything,” Hearn told the newspaper. “I didn’t destroy, break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was happening, I was handcuffed.”
