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Crews are again draining Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained again due to problems following President Trump's renovation efforts, which missed the initial July 4 deadline for the nation's 250th birthday celebration.
- Shortly after completion, the pool suffered from an algae bloom and peeling of the new coating, with Trump blaming vandalism while critics cite poor workmanship.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed the draining is planned to clean debris from the Independence Day fireworks and repair alleged vandalism, with the same contractors rehired for the repairs.
- Several individuals, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, have been charged with damaging the pool, though some view these prosecutions as politically motivated scapegoating.
- Congressional Democrats are investigating the project, focusing on the use of taxpayer funds and the overall management of the renovation contracts totaling over $16 million.
