Why Washington’s reflecting pool has gone from ‘US blue’ to algae green
Summary
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC turned green with algae shortly after a $14.7 million renovation to repaint its bottom “American flag blue.” President Donald Trump said the pool was vandalized and chemicals were poured into it, but no proof was shown. Park Service crews are cleaning the pool using safe treatments to remove the algae.Key Facts
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was renovated with a new blue bottom costing $14.7 million, finished in early June 2024.
- Soon after, the blue coating began peeling, and algae turned the pool green.
- The National Park Service is treating the pool with hydrogen peroxide and special ozone technology to kill algae and bacteria.
- President Trump claimed “radical left lunatics” vandalized the pool by pouring corrosive chemicals inside.
- Trump said some people were arrested for vandalism, but evidence was not shown publicly.
- One man was detained after touching the peeling coating, claiming he was just curious and not vandalizing.
- The Interior Department confirmed they are using mild and safe cleaning methods rather than harsh chemicals like chlorine.
- The pool is near the Lincoln Memorial, a historic site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech in 1963.
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