Trump says repairs to algae-plagued Reflecting Pool will begin immediately

June 22, 2026

President Donald Trump announced that immediate repairs will begin on Washington DC's Reflecting Pool after inspecting it from a helicopter while returning from Camp David. The historic landmark, despite recently undergoing a $13 million renovation including new blue paint, continues to experience problems with algae growth turning the water green and paint peeling from the pool's bottom. Trump claims vandals have damaged the pool ahead of America's 250th Independence Day anniversary, with authorities reporting ten people arrested or cited for vandalism, though a former Olympic canoeist arrested denies wrongdoing.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump (inspecting and ordering repairs)
US Park visitors and the general public (experiencing deteriorated landmark)
US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro (prosecuting vandalism cases)
Five people arrested and five more issued citations for vandalism
David "Davey" Hearn, former Olympic canoeist (arrested for allegedly vandalizing the pool)
Wildlife, including a dead duckling found in the pool
US Park Police (patrolling and filing reports)
Professor Rosalina Stancheva Christova at George Mason University (studying the algae)

What action is being taken

Officials are using chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, to clean the green algae bloom in the pool
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro is aggressively prosecuting people found to have damaged the pool
Trump has ordered that work begin immediately on repairing the Reflecting Pool
Police have filed 14 police reports related to vandalism incidents

Why it matters

This matters because the Reflecting Pool is a historic American landmark and national symbol stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, built in the 1920s. The timing is particularly significant as the damage and deterioration are occurring just before the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4th. Despite a recent $13 million renovation intended to restore the pool, ongoing structural problems including algae growth, paint peeling, leaks, and faulty pipes demonstrate failed stewardship of an iconic monument that represents American history and national identity. The situation also raises concerns about potential harm to wildlife and the proper maintenance of federal monuments on the National Mall.

What's next

Work will begin immediately to repair the Reflecting Pool
The pool may need to be drained and refilled for a second time this month
Anyone found to have vandalized the pool will face prosecution through the criminal justice system in DC

Read full article from source: BBC