Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has announced that the Trump administration will not seek new bids for repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This decision comes amid questions about the project’s challenges and taxpayer costs. President Donald Trump and Burgum both claim vandals caused the damage to the historic pool on the National Mall. Trump stated a 350-foot cut was made in the pool’s liner during recent renovations, while Burgum described it as multiple cuts adding up to that length. The pool will need to be partially drained in the coming week for repairs to continue.
Burgum expressed confidence in the current contractor’s work, stating, “We’ll use the same company, because they did a fantastic job.” He acknowledged that the vandalism was significant enough to potentially result in felony charges, costing tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. The project, part of Trump’s initiative to spruce up the pool for the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations on July Fourth, experienced setbacks, including an algae bloom and peeling of the new “American flag blue” coating.’
The pool was not available for the Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns related to the fireworks display. This issue has fueled ongoing debates about Trump’s plans to renovate Washington’s landmarks, including the White House. Several arrests have been made in connection to the damage, notably former Olympian David Hearn, who was charged with property destruction after allegedly tearing up the pool’s sealant.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro accused Hearn of causing over $1,000 in damage, characterizing his actions as “deliberate” and “violent.” Hearn’s legal team, led by Democracy Defenders Fund co-founder Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, criticized the charges as “outrageous,” arguing that they demonstrate an abuse of government power.
Burgum did not confirm whether photographic evidence exists of the alleged vandalism or if Hearn would face the maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. He remarked on CNN, “Just because you were a former something doesn’t exclude you from the law today. The courts will decide.” Concerns remain about the no-bid contracts awarded to companies with connections to Trump, including Ohio-based Green Water Solutions and Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, totaling significant sums for their services.
In response, a group of 10 Democratic senators and House members are scrutinizing the Reflecting Pool project. They demand clarity on the project’s issues and accountability for resolving them. A letter from six senators last month emphasized the need for explanations on how these problems developed and who will ensure they are addressed properly.