Trump says Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will likely be drained for repairs after algae bloom

President Donald Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will probably be drained for repairs after a recent algae bloom and problems including peeling paint near the landmark, following major renovation work during his administration.

Trump said in remarks made after meeting with contractors that the project team would likely release and drain much of the water to reach areas needing attention. He described the need to drain the pool as a practical step to enable repairs, though he did not provide a schedule or cost estimate in the report.

According to The Hill, the discussion occurred during a meeting with contractors, which the White House framing presented as part of ongoing efforts to address defects that became visible after the pool’s condition deteriorated. The reported issues include both algae and paint peeling, which can affect surfaces and water quality in outdoor features.

The reflecting pool is part of the Washington, D.C. landscape surrounding the Lincoln Memorial, and the drainage step would temporarily reduce the pool’s visual features while work proceeds. The report did not specify which contractor firms were involved, what specific components would be repaired, or whether the work would require additional permits or engineering approvals.

The Hill also reported that the repair effort is connected to the context of recent changes and major renovation of the memorial complex during Trump’s time in office. Trump’s comments tied the current response to the earlier renovation work, framing the drainage and repairs as corrective action to address new visible deterioration.

Public notification and public access are typical considerations when major water features in the nation’s capital are drained for repairs, but the report did not describe any specific communications plan. It also did not indicate whether the pool would be refilled in stages or kept drained until work is fully complete.

The Hill’s report characterized Trump’s comments as an indication that the administration expects to proceed with a drainage-based repair approach. It also left unanswered questions including the start date for draining, the scope of paint repairs, and the duration of any closure or restricted access for the area around the memorial.