Algae bloom turns Lincoln Reflecting Pool green after work

A renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has resulted in a significant algae bloom, turning the water a bright green color and drawing sharp criticism from late-night host Jon Stewart. The issue was a central topic on Monday night's episode of "The Daily Show," where Stewart questioned the project's execution and the connections of a contractor involved.

The algae infestation followed a recent renovation of the pool, with news reports indicating high phosphate levels from a new coating are to blame. Stewart reacted to footage of the discolored water, quipping that it looked neon green and asking if officials had replaced the water with Mountain Dew.

The segment highlighted that one company working on the project, Greenwater Services, secured the job through a no-bid contract. The company is owned by a trust run by Republican donor John Cafaro, a neighbor of former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Stewart showed a photo of Cafaro, joking about his appearance and asking if Trump does business with "anyone normal."

Further reporting noted that Cafaro pleaded guilty in 2001 to conspiracy to bribe then-Congressman James Traficant Jr. Stewart seized on this detail,...