Images Show Lincoln Reflecting Pool Damage as Crews Work on Trump Project

Images from Newsweek reveal damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as workers proceed with President Donald Trump's renovation project. Sections of the pool bottom are visibly peeling and patched, indicating ongoing repairs. Federal prosecutors have stated that flaws in the pool's installation, rather than vandalism, caused much of the damage that led to a political dispute.

The Reflecting Pool has become a focal point of controversy following the Trump administration's decision to reopen it ahead of July Fourth celebrations. While Trump insists vandalism played a role in the damage, he has also admitted that "some contractor error" occurred during the renovation. Court filings and prosecutors' statements attribute the peeling liner and related issues to a flawed installation by contractors, resulting in the dropping of criminal charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was previously accused of damaging the pool.

The White House has directed inquiries to the National Park Service, which was contacted by Newsweek for comment. Trump aims to restore the Reflecting Pool to a cleaner, more visually appealing state, including applying a new "American flag blue" coating to the bottom and addressing persistent algae blooms. However, the project has faced setbacks, with algae returning and turning the water green and murky.

Trump has claimed vandals damaged a roughly 300-foot gash in the newly applied blue liner, a claim that critics dispute. The renovation, which initially was expected to be completed quickly and affordably, has now cost over $15 million. Photos taken by Newsweek on Tuesday show the peeling layer still present and repair crews working on-site, highlighting the ongoing challenges and scrutiny surrounding the high-profile project.