Plans emerge for Lincoln Memorial area expansion project
Administration plans $400 million ballroom and memorial arch in Lincoln area expansion.
Event / Politics
Lincoln Memorial Pool Renovation
Trump administration's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation project encounters persistent problems requiring repairs and multiple drainings. Initial June completion followed by algae blooms and coating damage. Administration awarded contracts without competitive bidding; Democratic lawmakers investigating taxpayer funding.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Jul, 02:59 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleads not guilty to damaging Reflecting Pool
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court to deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn claimed he reached inside the pool to examine the peeled sealant and released a chunk when instructed by a park worker. His attorneys argue he is being scapegoated for poor repair work.
Democratic lawmakers investigating Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project
Democratic senators and House members are investigating the Reflecting Pool project, including seeking answers about how much taxpayer funding is involved in the renovation effort.
Damage to Reflecting Pool liner reported; sharp knife or razor cut the new coating
Court documents showed that the National Park Service reported to U.S. Park Police a June 9 incident in which a sharp knife or razor cut the pool's new liner. Trump blamed vandals for the damage, though critics alleged it resulted from shoddy repair work.
Trump demolishes White House East Wing to build $400 million ballroom
President Trump demolished the White House's East Wing as part of a broader capital improvement project. The demolition is to make way for construction of a $400 million ballroom.
Trump plans to build towering arch between Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery
President Trump plans to construct a towering arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery as part of his broader capital improvement initiatives.
Trump administration will not seek competitive bids for Reflecting Pool repairs
Interior Secretary Burgum stated that the Trump administration will not seek bids for the new rounds of repairs to the Reflecting Pool, deciding to use the same company that performed previous work. Burgum stated the company 'did a fantastic job' on the initial repairs.
Trump directed painting of Reflecting Pool bottom with American flag blue color
President Trump directed that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's bottom be painted what he called 'American flag blue.' In May, Trump posted on social media that the goal was to complete the work at this level prior to July 4 and stated they were ahead of schedule.
At least three additional people charged with misdemeanors for removing paint from Reflecting Pool
At least three other people were charged in D.C. Superior Court with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. All three pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearances on Wednesday.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings awarded $14.7 million contract for Reflecting Pool coating work
Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's concrete floor as part of the renovation project.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained for second round of repairs
Crews drained the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of ongoing renovation efforts. The pool was originally scheduled to be completed by July 4 to mark the nation's 250th birthday, but encountered problems within weeks of initial completion. The water developed an algae bloom and the new coating began peeling off the bottom.
Interior Secretary Burgum announces repair plan for Reflecting Pool
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, stated in an interview that the new round of draining was planned. He said the water might still contain debris from the Independence Day fireworks display and outlined the repair plan: drain water, clean debris, repair damage, and refill the pool.
Green Water Solutions awarded $1.7 million contract for Reflecting Pool purification system
Ohio-based Green Water Solutions, also known as Greenwater Services, was given a $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as part of the renovation project.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Former Olympian and others charged in Reflecting Pool damage case
Former Olympian Hearn and three others charged in Reflecting Pool damage case.
Reflecting Pool repairs proceed without competitive bidding process
Reflecting Pool repairs proceed with $16.4 million in non-competitive contracts under investigation.