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Crews again drain Trump’s troubled reflecting pool
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool for repairs, a process planned due to debris from a large Independence Day fireworks display, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
- The pool renovation, initiated by former President Trump who criticized its condition, aims to reflect American patriotism by painting the pool's liner blue, but has faced criticism over a $16 million cost, algae problems, and peeling liner.
- The Trump administration blamed "vandals" for damage to the pool, leading to arrests including a former Olympic cyclist who denies wrongdoing; critics argue these claims are politically motivated.
- Concerns have been raised about nepotism in contractor selection, with some firms linked to Trump receiving substantial contracts without new bidding for ongoing repairs.
- Congressional Democrats are investigating the project for transparency on taxpayer funding, amid broader scrutiny of Trump's multiple costly construction initiatives in Washington, DC.
