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Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool Turns Green, Marring Landmark Ahead of US Anniversary
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Culture & Society

Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool Turns Green, Marring Landmark Ahead of US Anniversary

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. is currently green due to an algae bloom, not its intended blue color.
  • Despite a $14 million renovation aimed at maintaining a blue hue, algae growth and potential vandalism have plagued the pool.
  • The pool's condition is a concern ahead of upcoming U.S. anniversary celebrations.

The iconic Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, a prominent landmark in Washington D.C., is currently marred by a green algae bloom, failing to achieve its intended vibrant blue color. This issue has arisen despite a significant $14 million renovation project designed to maintain the pool's blue appearance.

The color blue does not suit Trump anyway: it does not attract and it does not threaten. It is the color of Europe and the United Nations.

โ€” Rosa Schmidt-VierthalerThe author of the opinion piece reflects on the symbolic meaning of the color blue in relation to President Trump.

Workers are actively removing algae and loose blue paint from the water, while National Guard soldiers patrol the perimeter. The pool's condition has become a point of contention, particularly as the nation prepares for celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The green water stands in stark contrast to the desired 'American flag blue' that President Trump reportedly favored.

The Mรผhen der Ebene โ€“ or rather, the depth โ€“ burden the US President: The famous pool at the Lincoln Memorial is green instead of blue. Will that help much? Workers are fishing disturbing particles out of the water.

โ€” Rosa Schmidt-VierthalerThe author introduces the problem of the Reflecting Pool's green color.

President Trump has attributed the pool's discolored state to vandalism, suggesting that unknown individuals inflicted a large cut on the pool's lining and introduced corrosive chemicals. However, questions have also arisen regarding the administration's use of chemicals. This situation has been described as a "color disaster."

Several arrests have been made

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump made a statement regarding arrests in connection with the pool's condition.

Past administrations, including Barack Obama's, also struggled to resolve the pool's persistent issues. The color blue, often associated with Europe and the United Nations, may not align with Trump's political symbolism, prompting speculation about whether he might reconsider his preferred color choice for the landmark.

The famous Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial is green instead of blue.

โ€” Rosa Schmidt-VierthalerThe author describes the current state of the Reflecting Pool.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.