Costly Pool Repairs Scrutinised: Trump hails new work at Lincoln pool; flaws and $16m bill persist

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, has undergone another round of repairs after its much-publicised blue makeover ran into problems with peeling coating and algae growth. US President Donald Trump visited the landmark on November 2, 2026, to present the latest work, months after the original renovation faced criticism over its execution and rising costs.

Reports by Reuters, The Washington Post and PolitiFact provide further details of the project, including the repair work, the contractor's findings and the growing public expenditure. The appearance of the pool has been a subject of debate since Trump announced plans to give its bottom a deep blue finish, described by his administration as American Flag Blue.

The initial idea was to improve the ageing structure and address its long-standing maintenance problems ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations in July 2026.However, the first round of work did not go as planned. After the pool was refilled in June, algae spread through the water, turning its intended blue appearance green.