Trump Says Washington Reflecting Pool May Need Draining
President Trump said the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC may need draining again. He wants to fix damaged paint from recent work on the pool.
Trump blamed vandals for the damage. He claimed vandals cut the pool's lining and poured chemicals into the water.
Trump said multiple people have been arrested in connection with the damage. He gave no evidence for these claims.
Scientists say the pool turned green due to a natural algae bloom. A professor at George Mason University confirmed the algae is not harmful.
The algae grew after a rushed renovation. That renovation cost over $14 million.
The original public estimate was $2 million. The contract was awarded without open bidding.
The pool is also at the center of a lawsuit over skipped historic preservation reviews. A three-time Olympic canoeist was charged with destroying government property.
He touched blue paint that was already peeling off the pool's bottom. He denies causing any damage.
Key Terms 4
- Reflecting Pool A large outdoor pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC
- algae bloom A fast growth of green plant-like organisms in water
- no-bid contract A contract given to one company without asking others to compete
- historic preservation review A legal check to protect buildings or sites of historical importance