An algae bloom has turned the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool green days after the completion of President Donald Trump's renovation project that aimed for the shade 'American flag blue.' This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
National Guard members looked at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Washington. Bubbles emanated from a hose in the pool, produced by nanobubbles used to combat the algae.
National Park Service employees worked to clean the pool on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Visitors looked into the pool as workers labored in the background. A piece of blue coating floated among the algae, possibly a remnant of the renovation material.
President Trump's renovation project aimed to give the pool a 'American flag blue' color. However, the algae bloom indicates the project's failure. Cleanup and algae removal efforts are ongoing, with the National Park Service and National Guard working together.
AP reports that nanobubbles are being used to address the algae problem. This technology releases tiny bubbles into the water to suppress algae growth. However, full eradication may take several days.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington. Its green discoloration has drawn attention from visitors, some of whom have photographed and shared the phenomenon on social media.
The National Park Service stated it is taking all necessary measures to restore the pool, citing warm weather and stagnant water as causes. Water circulation may have been disrupted during renovation.
The Trump administration has not yet commented. However, AP sources indicate Trump is considering a renovation do-over, possibly with additional measures to prevent algae.
The reflecting pool was built in 1923 and has undergone several renovations. The latest was completed in June 2026. The algae bloom raises questions about the quality of the renovation.