President Trump Announces Immediate Repairs to Reflecting Pool Following Algae Issue and Vandalism Allegations

Running a helicopter over the National Mall, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to declare that ‘work will begin immediately’ on the city’s iconic Reflecting Pool, which had been plagued by a bright green algae bloom and reports of vandalism.

Despite a $13 million renovation earlier this month, the pool is still affected by leaks, faulty pipes, and the recent green algae contaminant. Trump stated that he personally inspected the site from the air and was shocked by the damage.

U.S. Attorney for Washington DC, Jeanine Pirro, told Fox News that ‘anyone who vandalizes or attempts to vandalize the pool will face the criminal justice system.’ Police have arrested five people and issued citations to five more for vandalism, with a total of 14 reports filed.

Worker in waders cleaning the pool
Reuters photo of workers cleaning the Reflecting Pool.

The pool, which spans 2,030 ft between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has a storied history of maintenance challenges. The recent refurbishment included a fresh coat of blue paint, yet the algae—identified as the harmless Desmodesmus species—reappeared.

Critics have pointed out that the approach of cleanup, which involves chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, needs careful monitoring to avoid harming wildlife. In a related incident, a former Olympic athlete was arrested for alleged vandalism, but he defended himself, claiming he only touched the peeling paint.

The potential impact of the pool’s environment on wildlife was highlighted after a news photographer spotted a dead duckling. While the dead animal’s cause of death remains unclear, it underscores the pool’s ecological sensitivity.

Projecting ahead, the U.S. park authorities plan to monitor the algae’s ecological dynamics closely. The restoration effort, now slated to start in the coming days, will involve draining and refilling the pool to eliminate the algae and protect the historic landmark’s integrity.

For more on the vandalism arrest, see Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool after arrest.