Donald Trump has admitted that extensive repairs to the iconic reflecting pool in Washington DC might not be finalised in time for the highly anticipated Fourth of July celebrations. The former US president is orchestrating a significant event on the National Mall to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary, a milestone he had hoped would feature a pristine reflecting pool.
The body of water, a prominent feature between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, reportedly began exhibiting issues with algae blooms and peeling paint following a $14.2 million renovation project. This renovation, undertaken by the Trump administration, aimed to give the pool an 'American flag' blue hue. Subsequently, Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed, without presenting direct evidence, that vandals were responsible for damaging the pool.
In a recent social media statement, Mr Trump reiterated his allegations of vandalism, suggesting that repair work might need to be undertaken immediately before or after the national holiday. He stated, "We will drain some of the water, either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair." He further claimed that six individuals had been arrested and seven cited in connection with the damage, which he described as a 350-foot gash created by a "very sharp knife or razors" and other "slashes" that were "purposefully and criminally done."
However, reports from the New York Times, referencing internal documents, indicate that National Park Service workers discovered various forms of damage, including holes, cracks, peeling caulking, and cuts in the pool's foam sections shortly after it was drained, resealed, and refilled by 5th June. While these documents noted two 171-foot blade cuts, they did not offer an explanation for their creation or link them to the pool's new blue sealant or the recent algae outbreaks. By 16th June, workers reportedly found sections of the blue sealant detaching and floating.
The extensive nature of the alleged vandalism, as described by Mr Trump, has prompted questions given the reflecting pool's prominent location and regular police patrols. The Washington Post also reported the discovery of a dead duck in the reflecting pool over the weekend, with two more found in a nearby pond, though the causes of death remain unknown. The ongoing issues with the reflecting pool's condition present a logistical challenge for the planned Independence Day festivities.