A sign advertising the upcoming July 4th fireworks show is placed on a fence surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as the Washington Monument is illuminated with a projection of a painting of former U.S. President James Madison, ahead of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
President Donald Trump's Fourth of July fireworks display by his nonprofit Freedom 250 launched nearly 850,000 fireworks shells from 10 National Mall sites, including directly above the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The firework show created significant environmental and health consequences.
"Best fireworks show, EVER!" Trumpposted on Truth Social afterwards.
The morning after, workers waded waist-deep through murky green water, removing burned debris and scorched casings.
Washington temporarily became the city with the worst air quality on Earth, prompting officials to issue a Code Red alert warning of unhealthy conditions for seniors, children, and those with medical conditions.
D.C. based photojournalist Joe Flood documented the Reflecting Pool on July 6th, sharing his findings and thoughts on X.
Emergency responders documented 96 patient contacts and 40 hospital transports from the National Mall during the 40-minute show, according to CNN.
The newly renovated Reflecting Pool, which underwent a $16 million renovation through a no-bid contractor tied to Trump, now requires repairs.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed the same contractor will handle restoration work on CNN, according to PBS News.
Watch the video below.