The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., recently drained for maintenance, reveals that the protective liner installed this spring has noticeably faded from the "American flag blue" color touted by former President Donald Trump to a grayer shade. An Associated Press reporter and photographer observed the fenced-off pool on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, from the top of the Washington Monument.

Trump’s renovation effort, initially aimed to be completed by the Fourth of July for the nation’s 250th birthday, has faced multiple setbacks. The project’s cost ballooned from an initial estimate of $1.5 million to over $16 million by June. Despite claims that the repairs would last a century, within days of completion last month, the pool experienced an algae bloom and peeling of the new coating.

Ohio-based Green Water Solutions (also known as Greenwater Services) was contracted for $1.7 million to install a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings received $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, overseeing the National Park Service, stated that after draining the pool and cleaning debris from Independence Day fireworks, the plan is to "repair the vandalism that was done."

Court documents reveal that on June 9th, the National Park Service reported to the U.S. Park Police an incident involving a sharp knife or razor cutting the pool’s new liner.

Work crews have since removed debris that was visible earlier this week after the pool was drained.

Sources