Algae Resurfaces in DC Reflecting Pool Post $14M Renovation
WHO:
NY Post - President Trump oversaw the $14 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool.
the-sun.com - Katie Martin is a spokesperson for the Interior Department.
the-sun.com - White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers defended the renovation work.
the-sun.com - Senator Richard Blumenthal raised concerns regarding the renovation.
WHAT:
NY Post - The Reflecting Pool reopened after a $14 million renovation.
the-sun.com - Bright green algae was spotted in the Reflecting Pool shortly after the renovation.
the-sun.com - Workers were seen clearing algae from the pool.
the-sun.com - The renovation was initially estimated to cost less than $2 million but ended up costing over $14 million.
the-sun.com - Historic preservationists filed a lawsuit regarding the renovation process.
the-sun.com - Trump described the previous condition of the pool as "filthy" and "disgusting."
WHERE:
NY Post - The Reflecting Pool is located in Washington, DC, near the Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial.
WHEN:
the-sun.com - Trump announced the resurfacing project on April 23.
the-sun.com - The renovation work lasted six weeks.
WHY:
the-sun.com - The Interior Department stated that the algae outbreak was part of the normal process of restarting the pool after construction.
the-sun.com - Trump claimed the renovation would last for decades and prevent leaks.
HOW:
the-sun.com - The renovation involved sealing the concrete bottom of the pool with an "American flag blue" coating.
the-sun.com - Workers used Induclor, a chlorine compound, to control algae, bacteria, slime, and fungi.
the-sun.com - Newly installed nanobubblers were claimed to prevent algae from returning.
(UPDATED June 15, 2026 21:54 UTC)
President Trump oversaw the reopening of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, after a $14 million renovation, which was initially projected to cost less than $2 million. Shortly after the renovation, bright green algae was spotted in the pool, prompting workers to clear it out, while the Interior Department explained that this was a normal part of restarting the pool after construction. Despite concerns raised by Senator Richard Blumenthal and a lawsuit from historic preservationists, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers defended the renovation, highlighting features like an "American flag blue" coating and newly installed nanobubblers designed to prevent algae from returning.