The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool remains empty after being drained earlier this month, as crews prepare to repair cracks in the recently redone lining of the Washington landmark.
President Trump made fixing the pool one of his signature projects, issuing two expedited no-bid contracts totaling more than $16 million to carry out fast-track renovations, which the White House hoped would be done before Fourth of July celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Instead, the project fell into delay, disrepair and controversy. The Trump administration has accused vandals of sabotaging the renovation by causing algae blooms and tears in the pool’s lining, though it has released little evidence to back up these claims, and presidents have long struggled with maintenance issues at the pool.
The renovation, which Trump predicted would be done in about two weeks, has instead stretched for months, costing more than eight times the president’s initial estimated price tag.