President Trump blames vandals amid Reflecting Pool algae bloom [View all]

Source: USA Today

Updated June 19, 2026, 11:48 p.m. ET


President Donald Trump defended his administration's beautification record in Washington, DC, despite the algae bloom in the recently overhauled reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial. In a Truth Social post on June 19, the president blamed vandals for the troubles that have cropped up after the $16 million renovation of the pool.

"We've cleaned, renovated, and beautified over 45 Monuments and Memorials, 28 Statues and 22 Fountains in Washington, D.C. Things are looking really good in our Nation's Capital," the Truth Social post stated. "However, we've had some real problems with Vandalism at the beautiful Reflecting Pool, which sits between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial."

"Just like three days ago, they destroyed the grass outside of the Pool, they've also done everything possible to hurt the inside surface that was just installed," Trump added. "No different than the chemicals that were used on the National Mall, they used something similar in the reflecting pool to try to destroy and demean our beautiful work.". Trump's post stated the algae is "75% gone, and the condition will soon be completely remedied, and the area that was vandalized, fortunately, is just a small area of damage, and will be fixed early next week."

Algae blooms aren't new

Law enforcement is investigating, Trump confirmed. But historical records show algae has been a recurring issue in the pool for decades, possibly for much of its existence. After a $34 million renovation in 2012, the water turned into an "icky sea of algae" about a week after the pool was filled, USA TODAY previously reported. Workers were seen skimming the surface of the pool in the end nearest the World War II Memorial. Algae blooms have plagued "every pool reopening since 1922," according to a statement the Department of the Interior provided to USA TODAY.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/06/19/donald-trump-reflecting-pool-renovation-algae-bloom-paint/90625359007/