Fencing is going up around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as the Trump administration presses ahead with repairs and continues to accuse unspecified vandals of damaging the recently renovated landmark.
The Reflecting Pool was closed to the public from April 10 through June 10 for lining and repair work, including cleaning the basin, repairing joints and installing new lining material. Even after the reopening, the site has remained under scrutiny because the renovation has coincided with persistent algae growth and visible peeling of the new blue coating on the bottom of the pool.
Officials have said the area around the pool was always expected to be fenced off ahead of the Fourth of July, when fireworks launch areas are typically secured for public safety. But the fencing has been put up earlier than planned as security around the National Mall is tightened before next week’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
On Truth Social on June 23, Trump said authorities had identified “pro-algae” activists who allegedly poured fertilizer into the water and sliced a 350-foot cut into the submerged surface. He said the investigation had resulted in six arrests and seven citations.
That accusation surfaced after reports that hydrogen peroxide had been used to address early discoloration in the pool, before the “American Flag Blue” coating on the bottom started peeling away.
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly associated with teeth whitening and stain removal, but it is also recognized as a substance that can help strip paint.
Trump, however, has insisted that the damage was caused by criminal acts rather than maintenance issues, and said anyone found responsible for interfering with the water could be jailed for up to 10 years.
“It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition,” the president wrote. “Likewise, the small area at the bottom of the Pool was cut and powerfully lifted off the surface leaving very jagged, uneven edges.”
He penned: “Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!
“It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!).
“Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced!”
Footage shared by TMZ showed workers seemingly preparing to close off the area with fencing, although federal officials said that step had already been scheduled.
“The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July,” the Department of the Interior told The Independent. “As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool so fencing is put up to ensure public safety. With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site.”
Amid the claims of sabotage, pool maintenance specialists said the updated color of the Reflecting Pool may have contributed to warmer water temperatures, creating conditions that allow algae to thrive more easily.
Officials overseeing the site have also said they are using hydrogen peroxide and other treatment methods, including ozone nanobubbles, to fight the bloom while the pool remains part of a broader repair project that has drawn criticism over cost and execution.
Recent images from the National Mall have shown patches of the blue coating separating from the basin and floating among the algae, reinforcing concerns that the newly resurfaced pool may need additional fixes once it is drained again.
Regarding the hydrogen peroxide controversy, the Interior Department has maintained that the treatment is less harsh than chlorine and does not produce harmful effects for marine life or the surrounding environment.
Not everyone is convinced by that explanation.
“Fun Fact: hydrogen peroxide is used as a paint remover,” The Lincoln Project posted on X alongside a video that appeared to show large chips of paint floating around the refurbished pool.
The White House has been approached for comment.