Two days after photos surfaced of sealant "chunks" coming up in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, President Donald Trump attempted to save face by enlisting a Department of Interior official to praise the renovation work.
The president's renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been a source of embarrassment all summer as the blue liner peeled off and floated to the surface as massive algae blooms turned the water green.
Trump's baseless claims that vandals caused the damage fell apart in court documents in which U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro said evidence shows had been the result of hasty work.
On Wednesday, freelance photographer Joe Flood posted video of the pool and reported, "Sealant is coming up in chunks."
Meanwhile, the president keeps insisting the destruction was permanent, and he quoted an Interior Department official to claim repairs were near completion.
"From Greg Wischer at the United States Department of the Interior: 'I visited the Reflecting Pool this morning, and pictures are included below of the pool reflecting and the American Flag Blue color,'" Trump posted Friday on Truth Social.
"'As you can tell, many of the photos posted in the New York Times articles were taken after the largest fireworks show in history — which had launch points alongside the pool — deposited significant debris in the pool," the post said.
"'The Reflecting Pool has been partially refilled to allow National Park Service staff and contractors to flush the pool’s piping system for the first time in more than a decade," the post added. "'After years of neglect by previous administrations, more than half of the 58 water supply ports were so clogged that they were deemed nonfunctioning. This work is ongoing. We waited until after July 4th to do. Coming out great!'"
"'The National Park Service has also, for the second time, cleaned the granite, pressure washed the sidewalk, and removed several hazardous trees next to the Reflecting Pool," the post concluded. "Will be opening in a few weeks. Will be a beauty. NO VANDALS PLEASE.'"