Trump's $14 million Reflecting Pool turns green with algae days after renovation

A presidential makeover

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the 600-metre basin stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, was drained, cleaned, resurfaced and its bottom repainted a deep shade that President Trump calls 'American flag blue'. The project, directed by Trump as part of a drive to revamp major Washington monuments, cost $14.2 million (€12.3 million) and was carried out under a no-bid contract according to the BBC. The refilling began on 5 June 2026, and the completed pool was promoted by the White House as making the capital look 'better than ever'.

Algae reappears within days

By the time the water settled, thick green algae was spreading across the surface. German outlet 20 Minuten reported that algae was visible from the shore just one day after refilling was finished. The Interior Department described the growth as 'residual' algae coming from the pipes, calling it a normal part of restarting the system. BBC reporters found tourists and locals surprised at how quickly the pool had turned green after a renovation that was supposed to keep it 'beautiful' and 'clean'.

Trump administration defends the work

An Interior Department spokeswoman was quoted by several outlets stating that 'President Donald J. Trump is an expert in construction and has permanently repaired the Reflecting Pool, unlike the failed and extremely costly attempt by Obama and Biden.' The statement pointed to Obama-era renovation costs of $35.3 million as proof that Trump's project was not wasteful. The White House’s official social account had posted that 'the water is running, the Reflecting Pool is reflecting, and Washington looks better than ever.'

Obama-era renovation (circa 2012)35,300,000

Trump renovation (2026)14,200,000

Obama-era renovation (circa 2012)

35300000 $

Trump renovation (2026)

14200000 $

Data from the article text

Hydrogen peroxide and a warning

On 16 June, National Park Service crews poured hydrogen peroxide into the green water. The Interior Department said a 'high-tech nanobubble ozone technology' was also being deployed to kill algae, pathogens and other contaminants. Christopher Gobler, a Stony Brook University professor who has studied harmful algal blooms for over 30 years, told Reuters that hydrogen peroxide is a common short-term measure unlikely to threaten ducks and geese but that it could create low oxygen conditions lethal to fish.

“There's always going to be a rebound of the algae. Hopefully it works as a quick fix, but these algae do tend to rebound.”

Late-night mockery and public reaction

Jimmy Kimmel used his show to roast the incident, joking that the color was now 'Mexican flag green' and that the algae is 'also how he colors his hair.' The Rolling Stone report included a clip from Fox News praising the cleanup and a Real America's Voice reporter suggesting the algae was a nefarious plot, to which Kimmel responded, 'My God, the algae is working with Antifa.' Among tourists in Washington, the quick return of algae has become a symbol of a costly fix that failed to deliver a lasting solution.