Trump administration compares reflecting pool algae battle to Iran war

Key Points:

• The Trump administration undertook a $14.2 million refurbishment of Washington’s reflecting pool to turn it "American Flag blue" for the country's 250th birthday, but the pool has instead turned various shades of green due to persistent algae growth.
• Efforts to remove the algae, including applying a coating and using "nanobubbler technology," have been only partially successful, with parts of the coating peeling off and algae continuing to proliferate amid warm weather.
• The US Department of the Interior defended the project, claiming the water was "crystal clear" and comparing their fight against algae to the administration's stance on Iran, despite eyewitness reports of murky water.
• The no-bid contract for the refurbishment was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a company previously involved with one of Trump’s golf club pools, raising questions about the procurement process.
• The reflecting pool, a historic landmark and symbol of Washington DC, has become a focal point in Trump’s efforts to reshape the capital during his second term, though the project has faced significant challenges and criticism.