Chipped paint and algae are visible in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, after recent renovations following a directive from U.S. President Donald Trump to paint it blue ahead of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 21, 2026. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
CNN's Tom Foreman reported on escalating absurdities surrounding President Donald Trump's troubled $14 million Reflecting Pool renovation.
The project, quickly plagued by algae blooms and deteriorating paint, has resulted in at least five arrests for removing damaged materials from the water. Among those arrested was David Hearn, a U.S. Olympic slalom canoe competitor and material scientist, who Foreman said merely touched loose material to examine it.
Foreman questioned the logic of arresting someone for touching already-damaged material while dozens of workers regularly traverse and operate equipment on the pool.
The algae remain uncontrolled despite ongoing treatment efforts, with officials now considering draining and restarting the entire project.
Foreman highlighted the contradiction between Trump's 2024 promise to complete renovation for under $2 million versus the $14 million actual cost, with results no better than previous attempts.
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