Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, July 10, 2026, as part of President Donald Trump's ongoing and troubled renovation project. The National Park Service confirmed the operation, which involves pumping water from the iconic Washington, D.C., landmark.
Repeated Drainings Highlight Project Delays
This is not the first time the reflecting pool has been drained during the Trump administration's revamp. The project, initially announced in 2020, has faced repeated delays and cost overruns. According to the National Park Service, the latest drainage is necessary to repair a leak in the pool's lining.
"We are committed to restoring the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to its original glory, but these unforeseen issues have set us back," said a National Park Service spokesperson. The spokesperson added that the repairs are expected to take several weeks, after which the pool will be refilled.
Historical Significance and Public Reaction
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, stretching nearly 2,000 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has been a site of historic gatherings, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Tourists and locals expressed frustration over the repeated closures.
"It's disappointing to see it drained again. This is a national treasure, and it should be maintained properly," said Sarah Johnson, a visitor from Ohio. The project has been a point of political contention, with critics blaming the Trump administration for mismanagement.
Cost and Timeline Concerns
The renovation, originally budgeted at $50 million, has now exceeded $70 million, according to government documents. The completion date has been pushed back from 2024 to 2028. The National Park Service has not provided a new timeline for the current repair work.
"We are working as quickly as possible to address these issues," the spokesperson said. The pool was last drained in 2023 for similar repairs, raising questions about the quality of the initial renovation work.
