The Trump administration is facing fresh criticism after the Interior Department compared its effort to clean algae from Washington’s Reflecting Pool to the U.S. conflict with Iran.
The unusual comparison came as federal workers continued trying to remove green algae from the historic pool near the Lincoln Memorial. The issue followed a $14.2 million refurbishment ordered by President Donald Trump to give the landmark an “American Flag blue” look ahead of the country’s 250th birthday celebrations.
But instead of remaining bright blue, parts of the pool have reportedly shifted between different shades of green. Workers have been seen in the water attempting to remove algae and clean the surface. Some areas of the new coating also appeared to be peeling, raising further questions about the project’s condition and durability.
The Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, pushed back against reports that the pool remained murky. In a post on X, the department said the water was “crystal clear” and accused the media of exaggerating the issue.
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The department then compared the removal of dead algae from the bottom of the pool to the administration’s military claims in the Persian Gulf, saying National Park Service workers were vacuuming up algae “just like” destroyed Iranian naval assets resting on the bottom of the Gulf.
The comment quickly drew attention because it connected a local maintenance problem at a national landmark to a recent military conflict. Critics said the comparison was unnecessary and politically charged, especially while questions remain about both the Iran deal and the Reflecting Pool project.
The pool is one of Washington’s most recognizable public spaces. It sits between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and has been the site of major historic moments, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech.
The renovation has already raised questions because the no-bid contract was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia-based company that had previously done work on one of Trump’s golf club swimming pools. The administration said the work was needed to waterproof and repaint the site.
Officials initially said remaining algae would be cleared after the renovation. But warm weather appears to have helped the algae grow, complicating efforts to maintain the desired blue appearance.
The administration later pointed to a water treatment system using “nanobubbler technology,” saying it had been effective in killing the algae. Still, eyewitness reports and images have continued to show parts of the pool looking green.
The controversy is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape and refurbish parts of Washington during his second term. Supporters may view the project as an attempt to improve a major national landmark before the 250th anniversary celebrations. Critics argue that the cost, contract process and public messaging deserve closer scrutiny.
For now, the main question is whether the pool can be restored to the appearance the administration promised, and whether taxpayers received a durable result from the $14.2 million project.
Why It Matters
The Reflecting Pool is not just a tourist site. It is one of the most symbolic spaces in Washington and has played a central role in American history.
The issue matters because it involves public money, government contracting and the maintenance of a major national landmark. The Interior Department’s Iran comparison also turned a local infrastructure problem into a political controversy.
What Comes Next
Federal workers are expected to continue removing algae and monitoring the pool’s condition. Officials may also face questions about the coating, the treatment system and whether more work will be needed.
If the green water or peeling continues, the project could bring further scrutiny over the contract, cost and the administration’s handling of the renovation.
A news clip showed the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appearing green after algae spread following recent renovation work.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appeared to turn green after algae spread more than a week after $14.2M renovations were completed.
An Interior Department spokesperson said the residual algae is part of the “normal startup process” and they are removing it. “Nanobubblers… pic.twitter.com/J4gGrMxmEP
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 17, 2026
