Trump admin retains contractor for Lincoln pool repairs

The Trump administration will use the same contractor to repair the damaged liner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy over a renovation project that cost an estimated $16 million and has been plagued by peeling sealant and algae blooms.

Burgum defended the work of the contractor, Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, during television interviews, stating the company had done a "fantastic job" on the overall project. He said repairs would proceed without opening the work to new bids and that the pool would be at least partially drained in the coming week to complete the fixes. The administration attributes the damage to vandalism, with Burgum saying he is "100% sure" vandals caused the problems. President Donald Trump has alleged a 350-foot gash was cut into the liner, which Burgum described as multiple cuts totaling that length.

The renovation, completed ahead of July Fourth celebrations marking the nation's 250th birthday, aimed to address longstanding leaks and algae issues. It included installing a new liner painted "American flag blue," repairing leaks,...