Here’s what Trump had to do.
President Donald Trump’s effort to restore one of America’s most iconic landmarks has encountered another setback after officials announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained once again for repairs and cleanup.
The multimillion-dollar restoration project was expected to be ready for the nation’s Fourth of July celebrations during America’s 250th anniversary. Instead, crews returned to the site after officials reported issues including algae growth, peeling paint, and damage believed to be connected to vandalism and heavy holiday activity.
The unexpected delay disappointed many visitors who traveled to Washington, D.C., hoping to see the newly restored landmark.
“It kind of makes me sad a little bit,” Nebraska visitor Lindsay Anderson told local media. “A lot of people came here to see it, and we really can’t.”
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the additional work was anticipated after the massive Independence Day celebration on the National Mall.
Speaking during an interview with conservative commentator Katie Miller, Burgum explained that crews must drain the reflecting pool, remove debris left behind from the fireworks display, repair damage caused by vandals, and then refill the historic attraction before it reopens to the public.
The National Park Service, which oversees the memorial, has been working to preserve one of the nation’s most recognizable monuments while accommodating millions of annual visitors.
President Trump has maintained that vandals damaged the pool’s newly installed protective liner during the renovation project. Federal authorities have since announced multiple arrests tied to alleged acts of vandalism at the site.
Former Olympian David Hearn is among those facing charges related to the incident. He has entered a not guilty plea to a federal allegation that he damaged about two square feet of the reflecting pool’s protective sealant. Prosecutors estimate the repairs will cost around $1,000, but Hearn disputes the claims against him.
The reflecting pool stretches more than 2,000 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, making it one of the most photographed locations in the nation’s capital. Officials say restoring and protecting the landmark remains a priority despite the latest delay.
While the additional repairs have postponed the project’s completion, federal officials say the work is intended to ensure the historic memorial remains in excellent condition for future generations of Americans and the millions of visitors who come to the nation’s capital each year.