The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has become overrun with algae just days after the landmark underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that painted the pool's basin "American Flag Blue," a dark navy, ahead of Independence Day.
Crews clean up algae that began to grow in the Reflecting Pool days after the Trump administration’s at least $13 million renovation project that repainted the surface “American Flag Blue” on Monday, June 15, 2026.
People walk along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool where algae has begun to bloom following the completion of recent renovations on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. The reflecting pool construction project started in April and work was completed last week as part of President Donald Trump's plan ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.