Trump blames 'vandalism' for algae bloom in $16 million reflecting pool renovation

The reflecting pool at the National Mall in Washington D.C. is slowly clearing after being overwhelmed by algae last week. While much improved, patches of green remain along the edges and bottom, with lingering green and brown streaks. Water quality improvement efforts are ongoing, with the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service employing nano-bubble ozone equipment and hydrogen peroxide. An Interior Department spokesperson assured that hydrogen peroxide is a mild treatment, safer for the environment and organisms than chlorine used in swimming pools.

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This is a common algae that is frequently found in this region at this time of year. It is growing excessively because of the optimal conditions for algae growth, such as strong sunlight and shallow, stagnant water.

The pool's water quality became a national concern after President Trump ordered a major renovation ahead of the U.S. Bicentennial. He had criticized previous administrations for neglecting the pool and vowed to make it a "true reflecting pool" with clear water and a "patriotic blue" bottom. The renovation began in April, with the pool's floor coated in "Old Glory Blue," a deep navy chosen by the president. The project cost over $16 million, including $14.7 million for the floor coating and $1.7 million for the water treatment system.

However, just days after refilling the pool on June 5, algae began to spread. The promised blue surface turned a murky green, and parts of the floor coating started to peel and detach. Experts, like Rosalina Stantcheva Christova, an aquatic ecologist at George Mason University, explained that the excessive algae growth is a common phenomenon in the region during this time of year, exacerbated by strong sunlight and stagnant, shallow water.

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I have lived in Washington for over 25 years and I know what many of these roads looked like before now.

President Trump, however, attributed the bloom to "vandalism." He claimed on social media that someone had created a "300-foot gash" in the coating and illegally introduced chemicals into the water. He warned that damaging a federal monument could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and ordered increased security. National Guard troops and federal park police were observed patrolling the area. One tourist from Massachusetts described the scene as "awkward," with more security personnel than visitors, even on a weekday afternoon.

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I have lived in Abuja for over 25 years and I know what many of these roads looked like before now.

Reports indicate at least five people were arrested and five others received federal violation notices over the weekend. Among those arrested was David Hunt, a three-time Olympic canoeist. Hunt stated he only briefly touched the already peeling coating while cycling past and "didn't damage anything." He found himself in handcuffs before he realized what was happening. President Trump announced plans to immediately begin repairs, which might require draining a significant portion of the pool. However, as of the report, the water remained in the pool, and no draining or recoating work was visible, nor was a specific schedule for the new repairs released.

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I have lived in Abuja for over 25 years and I know what many of these roads looked like before now.