Trump's Reflecting Pool paint begins peeling as renovation costs climb to $14.7M

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s high-profile renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has run into another problem just weeks before Fourth of July celebrations, with newly applied blue sealant reportedly beginning to peel from the bottom of the iconic landmark.

The issue surfaced days after an algae bloom turned the recently refurbished Reflecting Pool into a green-tinted body of water, raising fresh questions about a project that has already seen costs rise dramatically.

Trump had previously promoted the renovation as a quick fix for a long-standing problem, but the project has now grown into a nearly $14.7 million undertaking.

Donald Trump’s Reflecting Pool project faces fresh setback after algae returns

The Reflecting Pool, which Trump has repeatedly praised and described as being “bigger than skyscrapers,” underwent an extensive makeover in recent months.

The project included the application of a dark “American flag blue” coating and the installation of what officials described as “advanced nanobubbler technology” designed to combat algae growth.

However, shortly after workers refilled the pool, algae returned.

Now, sections of the recently applied blue sealant are reportedly bubbling and peeling away from the surface.

The development comes after Trump had vowed to clean what he previously described as “filthy” and “disgusting” water. Months later, when the pool was refilled, he praised it as “clean” and “beautiful.”

The latest setback has placed renewed attention on the renovation effort, particularly given the amount of taxpayer money that has already been invested in the project.

Renovation costs climbed from $1.5 million estimate to nearly $14.7 million

When discussing the project earlier this year, Trump suggested the Reflecting Pool could be repaired quickly for roughly $1.5 million ahead of White House-backed celebrations marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Since then, spending has risen sharply.

According to federal spending records, Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC received an initial no-bid contract worth nearly $7 million in April. The company later received an additional $6.2 million in May.

Funding continued to increase throughout June. Records show another $1 million was awarded on June 3, followed by more than $461,000 on June 15.

The administration bypassed the traditional competitive bidding process, arguing that delays would cause “serious injury” to the government. However, details about what that injury might involve have not been publicly explained.

Interior Department defends project as workers battle algae problem

As criticism mounted over the algae bloom, workers were seen adding bottles of hydrogen peroxide to the pool in an effort to control the situation.

The Interior Department defended the approach, describing hydrogen peroxide as a “milder treatment than chlorine” that has “no harmful side effects to marine life or to the environment.”

Reports later suggested the treatment may have contributed to the peeling sealant while also increasing phosphate levels in the water.

Despite the problems, administration officials continue to stand by the renovation.

“Unlike the Obama and Biden administrations that shamefully chose to let our national treasures descend into filth and disrepair, the Trump administration is marshaling in the necessary resources to ensure the capital city of the most powerful country in the world is absolutely stunning in honor of our historic 250th celebrations,” an Interior Department spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added, “It is beyond comprehension why anyone would be upset that President Trump is making DC Safe and Beautiful Again.”

Administration says blue coating will improve visitor experience

Questions have also been raised about why Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC received multiple rounds of funding for the project.

Responding to those concerns, an Interior Department spokesperson said the National Park Service “chose the best company to expedite the repair of the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of our 250 celebrations.”

Officials also defended the decision to coat the pool in the now-controversial blue shade.

“The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,” the spokesperson said.

They further argued that the rising contract value reflected the accelerated timeline of the project.

“The contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline of completing the leak prevention coating project - more people, more materials, more equipment and longer hours ahead of our 250th,” the spokesperson added.