Trump's $14M Lincoln Memorial Paint Fails as Blue Peels Off

A newly viral video has sparked renewed scrutiny over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., revealing that the blue paint applied by former President Donald Trump is already beginning to peel away just days after its $14 million renovation. The footage also highlights the alarming spread of algae in the pool since it was refilled following the project's completion. National Park Service crews have been working tirelessly to remove the algae and treat the water with chemicals, but the challenges remain significant.

The video shows a large portion of the blue paint coming loose from the pool’s floor, floating to the surface. This issue has raised concerns about the durability and effectiveness of the new coating, which was meant to give the pool an "American flag blue" appearance. However, the outcome has been far from ideal, as the pool has turned a murky chartreuse due to an algal bloom. The situation has drawn attention from both locals and visitors, who are witnessing the struggles of park service workers trying to restore the landmark to its former glory.

Trump had previously announced plans for the renovation in April, citing complaints from a friend visiting from Germany who described the pool as dark and unappealing. The project, which cost at least $14.8 million, aimed to beautify the area ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary. However, the challenges faced by the team have underscored the complexities of maintaining such a large body of water.

Algae has long been a persistent problem at the site, dating back to when the pool first opened over a century ago. But Trump’s vision for the Reflecting Pool has added new layers of difficulty. The pool, which is larger than 10 Olympic-sized pools, relies on water from the Tidal Basin, known for its murky quality. This has made the task of keeping the pool clean even more challenging.

National Park Service crews and contractors have been using a combination of chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to combat the algae. This method, similar to previous cleanup efforts before Trump’s renovation, aims to reduce the use of harsh chemicals while still maintaining water clarity. However, the fresh coat of paint on the pool’s floor has introduced an unexpected complication: the dark color increases the water temperature, which in turn encourages algae growth.

Workers have deployed a swimming pool-style vacuum to remove algae from the pool’s floor, leaving behind clean patches of American Flag Blue paint alongside vast stretches of green algae. This pattern is reminiscent of cleaning a carpet, where some areas remain spotless while others are still visibly dirty.

The park service confirmed that hydrogen peroxide is being used as a gentler alternative to chlorine, commonly found in spas and natural swimming pools. According to the agency, this method poses no harmful side effects to marine life or the environment.

As the cleanup operation continued, one contractor removed his socks and shoes, rolled up his pants, and waded into the pool to position an ozone nanobubble tube. This hands-on approach was witnessed by tourists and locals on a bright, sunny morning, adding to the spectacle of the ongoing effort.

Rick and Ariana Pettit, a Las Vegas couple traveling across the U.S. in their RV, stopped to take photos at the landmark, which has long been associated with historic protests and marches. Dressed in American flag-themed leggings and a Make America Great Again leotard, Ariana remarked, “Look, it's already looking more blue,” as they observed the cleanup efforts around them.

Experts like Cochise Wanzer II, president of the Pool Service Company in Arlington, Virginia, have expressed skepticism about the long-term success of the current measures. He suggested that draining the pool, hosing it down, and starting fresh with treated water might be necessary to truly address the algae problem.