Algae return to Washington's Reflecting Pool weeks after Trump-backed renovation

Washington's iconic Reflecting Pool is once again covered in algae, turning the water green just weeks after a costly and controversial renovation. The project, championed by former President Donald Trump, aimed to eliminate such organisms and beautify the landmark in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

The renovation concluded in early June, featuring a blue lining intended to evoke the American flag. However, the algae's resurgence in recent days has reverted the water to its previously greenish hue, contrary to the desired outcome. City maintenance crews applied chemical treatments, including bleach, but the green color persists.

The administration had stated that residual algae would be removed immediately post-renovation. However, high temperatures in recent weeks have facilitated their reproduction. This situation has reignited discussions about the project's oversight and its escalating cost, which reportedly reached approximately $14 million, significantly surpassing the initial estimates of less than $2 million, according to The New York Times.

The Reflecting Pool is a significant site in the capital, famously hosting Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech. The renovation was part of a broader initiative by Trump to improve emblematic sites in Washington, including plans for a new ballroom at the White House and other projects leading up to the U.S. Bicentennial.