Trump Renovation Stalls as Crews Drain Reflecting Pool Again

Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool for a second time this year, signaling a major setback in President Donald Trump's high-profile renovation of the National Mall landmark. The project, which Trump initially promised would be completed for the nation's 250th birthday celebrations on July 4, has been plagued by recurring problems including algae blooms and peeling paint, leading to renewed work and a ballooning price tag.

The draining process started on Sunday, July -5, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who confirmed the action in an interview. Burgum stated the timing was planned to follow the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall, allowing crews to clean debris and repair what he described as vandalism. As of Tuesday, July 7, it remained unclear whether the pool would be fully or partially emptied.

Trump first announced plans to beautify the century-old Reflecting Pool this spring, directing that its concrete floor be repainted a color he called "American flag blue." The initial work was completed in early June, but within weeks, an algae bloom overtook the water and sections of the new coating began to peel away. The pool...