Summary (tl;dr)

The iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., is currently plagued by green algae and peeling blue paint, less than two weeks after the completion of a nearly $15 million renovation project championed by former President Donald Trump. This ongoing issue is drawing scrutiny to the no-bid contracts awarded for the work, including one to a company owned by a Trump donor with a controversial past.

Essential Background

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has historically faced challenges with algae growth due to its shallow, stagnant nature and exposure to sunlight. In recent months, former President Donald Trump took a personal interest in renovating the pool, reportedly selecting an "American Flag Blue" color for its bottom. The renovation project, costing around $14.7 million, involved draining, resurfacing, and installing a new water purification system. The project was expedited with the goal of being completed before the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Full Story

Following its highly anticipated completion last week, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has quickly fallen into disrepair, with visitors observing widespread algae blooms that have turned the water a murky green, contrary to its intended dark blue hue. Adding to the visual disappointment, the newly applied "American Flag Blue" paint is visibly peeling off the pool's bottom and floating in the water. Workers have been seen attempting to combat the algae by adding hydrogen peroxide to the water and using vacuum pumps, but the efforts have been largely ineffective, and hydrogen peroxide may be contributing to the paint peeling.

This situation has intensified scrutiny over the renovation's management, particularly a $1.7 million no-bid contract awarded to Greenwater Services, an Ohio-based company responsible for installing a "nanobubble" water purification system. John J. Cafaro, a significant donor to Donald Trump and a neighbor at Mar-a-Lago, leads the trust that owns Greenwater Services. Cafaro previously pleaded guilty in 2001 to conspiring to bribe a congressman, further fueling public and political concern over the contract.

Why It Matters

The failure of the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to maintain its intended appearance, coupled with the substantial cost and the controversial nature of the awarded contracts, is sparking public outcry and raising questions about government accountability. The issues detract from a prominent national landmark, affecting the experience of countless tourists and undermining a project that was personally championed by a former president. The controversy surrounding John Cafaro and the no-bid contract awarded to Greenwater Services highlights concerns about transparency and potential cronyism in federal procurement, especially given Cafaro's past legal issues. The ongoing problems also represent a significant waste of taxpayer money and a potential embarrassment for the National Park Service and the current administration.

Geographic Location

• Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (algae blooms and peeling paint post-renovation)