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

June 22, 2026

President Trump announced immediate repair work on Washington DC's Reflecting Pool after claiming to inspect it by helicopter while returning from Camp David. The landmark, which underwent a $13 million renovation including new blue paint, continues experiencing problems with algae blooms turning the water green and paint peeling from the pool's bottom. Trump and other officials have alleged vandalism occurred ahead of July 4th celebrations, leading to arrests including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who denies wrongdoing and says he only touched already-peeling paint.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump
David "Davey" Hearn (former Olympic canoeist arrested for alleged vandalism)
Five people arrested for vandalism
Five additional people issued citations
US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro
US Park Police
Park visitors and media documenting the pool's condition
Wildlife (including a dead duckling found in the pool)

What action is being taken

Work is beginning immediately to repair the Reflecting Pool
Officials are using chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, to clean the green algae bloom
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro is prosecuting those accused of damaging the pool
The pool is being considered for draining and refilling for a second time this month

Why it matters

This matters because the Reflecting Pool is a historic American landmark situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, serving as an iconic symbol on the National Mall. The timing is particularly significant as the issues are occurring just before the 250th anniversary of America's independence on July 4th. Despite a recent $13 million renovation meant to address long-standing structural problems, the pool continues facing multiple issues including algae growth and paint deterioration, raising questions about the effectiveness of the expensive restoration and proper maintenance of important national monuments.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the immediate repair work that Trump announced would begin. The article mentions the pool "may need" to be drained and refilled again but does not confirm this as a definite next step.

Read full article from source: BBC