The Trump administration's bid to transform the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC into an 'American Flag blue' spectacle for the country's 250th birthday celebrations has hit a murky note – literally. Beneath the surface, a £14.2m refurbishment aimed at eradicating algae from the pool has yielded little success, with workers now engaged in a Sisyphean task to clear the green hue that persists despite their efforts.
The US Department of the Interior's attempts to spin this predicament have been met with ridicule after they drew an unprecedented comparison between the battle against algae and the conflict with Iran. According to a statement, the department claimed the dead algae on the pool floor is being 'vaccuumed up' much like the destroyed Iranian Navy – a claim that has sparked widespread incredulity.
As images emerged of workers wading into the murky waters in full protective gear, it became clear that the administration's earlier assurances about achieving crystal-clear water were nothing more than hot air. The Department of the Interior had even gone so far as to blame the 'Fake News Media' for reports suggesting otherwise.
The Reflecting Pool debacle has been a long time coming, with the administration initially downplaying concerns over residual algae that would persist after the renovation. It wasn't until warm weather exacerbated the problem that they suggested installing an expensive water treatment system – dubbed 'nanobubbler technology' – to address the issue.
The Reflecting Pool's troubles have drawn uncomfortable parallels with other high-profile failures of the administration, including a no-bid contract for waterproofing and repainting the historic site. Critics have long argued that this was just another example of the administration's cavalier approach to public spending and its willingness to brush off controversy.