Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

National Park Service workers work at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington.

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Reflecting Pool's botched repairs threaten to tarnish the National Park Service's reputation

Reflecting Pool's botched repairs threaten to tarnish the National Park Service's reputation

President Donald Trump's handling of repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has put the National Park Service in a difficult spot. Critics say Trump demands including revising park exhibits and demolishing structures risk damaging the agency's reputation. The Reflecting Pool project began earlier this year and faced issues like peeling sealant and algae. The Republican president blames vandalism. But charges against a suspect have been dropped after it was found to be a botched installation. Critics say the continued controversies undermine the National Park Service, an agency that's popular with Americans. The White House defends the pool project, saying Trump is delivering on a promise to make Washington “safe and beautiful.”