Trump's Reflecting Pool Sparks Color Controversy in D.C.
WHO:
NBC News - National Park Service workers are involved in addressing the issue with the reflecting pool.
Newsweek - Passersby in D.C. are debating the color of the water.
WHAT:
Business Insider - The renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool cost $14.8 million, which is an increase from the previously reported $14.6 million.
Business Insider - The resurfacing work on the pool was completed on June 3, and the pool refilling began on June 4.
Business Insider - Satellite images taken on June 7, a day after the president said the project was complete, showed a darker color, but by June 16, the pool had returned to a bright chartreuse green.
Mashable - The cost of the renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is reported to be $15 million, which is a slight increase from the previously stated $14.6 million.
USA Today - An aerial photo taken on June 16 shows the algae-ridden Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the damaged White House South Lawn, along with a covering on the National Mall that has the message "8647," prompting an investigation from the U.S. Park Police.
USA Today - The Department of the Interior completed work on the Reflecting Pool earlier this month.
USA Today - On June 17, workers were seen pouring hydrogen peroxide into the landmark to reduce the algae.
USA Today - As of Wednesday, parts of the pool remained green.
USA Today - ScottsMiracle-Gro has committed $1 million toward the restoration of the White House South Lawn following the UFC fight on June 14.
CBS News - The algae bloom has caused the reflecting pool to turn green again after the recent renovations.
NBC News - The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has turned green due to a massive algae bloom.
NBC News - The renovation of the pool cost $14.6 million and aimed to achieve an "American flag blue" color.
Newsweek - A passerby expressed confusion, stating, "I heard that it was supposed to be blue...where's the blue?"
WHERE:
NBC News - The incident is occurring at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.
WHEN:
USA Today - The Department of the Interior completed work on the Reflecting Pool earlier this month, ahead of the country's 250th anniversary.
WHY:
Business Insider - The algae bloom is exacerbated by summer heat and the Tidal Basin's algae-prone water, which has been a long-standing issue for the pool.
NBC News - The algae bloom is the cause of the color change in the reflecting pool.
HOW:
Business Insider - Workers have been using ozone nanobubbles and skimming algae off the pool in addition to pouring hydrogen peroxide to combat the algae growth.
NBC News - National Park Service workers are scrambling to eliminate the algae bloom affecting the pool.
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 12:10 UTC)
The renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has cost $14.8 million, slightly up from the initial estimate of $14.6 million, with resurfacing completed on June 3 and refilling starting the next day. Satellite images from June 7 revealed a darker color in the water, but by June 16, the pool had brightened to a chartreuse green, a change influenced by summer heat and the algae-prone water of the Tidal Basin. To tackle the persistent algae problem, workers have been employing ozone nanobubbles, skimming algae, and using hydrogen peroxide as part of their cleanup efforts.
--
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 10:21 UTC)
The cost of the renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is now reported to be $15 million, a slight increase from the previously stated $14.6 million. An aerial photo taken on June 16 shows the algae-ridden pool and the damaged White House South Lawn, alongside a covering on the National Mall that features the message "8647," which has prompted an investigation by the U.S. Park Police. The Department of the Interior completed work on the Reflecting Pool earlier this month, just in time for the country's 250th anniversary celebration.
--
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 06:38 UTC)
The Department of the Interior has recently completed work on the Reflecting Pool, although parts of it still appear green due to ongoing algae issues. Workers were seen pouring hydrogen peroxide into the landmark to help address the algae problem. In related news, ScottsMiracle-Gro has pledged $1 million to restore the White House South Lawn following the UFC fight that took place on June 14.
--
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 01:48 UTC)
The reflecting pool has turned green once again due to an algae bloom, following recent renovations. This development was reported by CBS News. The timing of the bloom has raised concerns about the ongoing maintenance of the area.
--
(UPDATED June 17, 2026 14:17 UTC)
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., has turned green due to a massive algae bloom, prompting National Park Service workers to take action to address the issue. The pool, which underwent a $14.6 million renovation to achieve an "American flag blue" color, has left some passersby confused, with one stating, "I heard that it was supposed to be blue...where's the blue?" As the debate over the water's color continues, efforts are underway to eliminate the algae affecting this iconic site.