The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., which recently underwent a $16.4 million renovation, is facing ongoing issues including peeling blue sealant and significant algae blooms, according to government documents and officials involved in the project.

President Donald Trump has blamed the problems on vandalism, asserting that adversaries deliberately damaged the pool under cover of darkness using knives and razors. He has also claimed that vandals dumped fertilizer into the pool to promote algae growth. However, documents obtained from the National Park Service suggest a more complex situation, indicating no direct evidence linking the peeling sealant or algae to deliberate sabotage.

The pool, a central feature commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, was drained, resealed, and refilled by early June. By June 9, Park Service workers found cuts in foam sections between the pool’s expansion joints, described in a report as “razor blade slashes” spanning a 20-foot area. Yet, these cuts do not appear to be directly related to the “American flag blue” sealant applied to the pool’s concrete slabs or the algae blooms that have since turned the water bright green. The precise cause of the cuts remains unclear, and officials have not provided supporting evidence publicly.

By mid-June, workers observed peeling chunks of the blue sealant floating on the water’s surface, separate from the foam in the expansion joints. Additionally, some of the nanobubbler units installed to control algae—devices that infuse water with ozone—were malfunctioning due to generator problems, contributing to the rapid algae growth. Despite these findings, the administration initially maintained that the renovations were proceeding successfully.

The renovation project involved two no-bid contracts awarded by the Trump administration, citing urgent timelines related to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The main contract, valued at nearly $14.7 million, was granted to Allan-Ida Industrial Coatings to apply the pool’s sealant, while Greenwater Services received $1.7 million to install the nanobubbler systems. Neither company responded to requests for comment.

Some industry experts have questioned the quality and speed of the work performed. Anthony Flett, chief executive of a Florida-based waterproofing firm, reviewed the documents and suggested that improper application of the sealant could explain the peeling. He also raised concerns that specialized professionals in polyurea coatings had not been sufficiently involved in overseeing the project.

Algae blooms have long been a recurring issue in the Reflecting Pool, which is shallow and susceptible to stagnant conditions favorable for algae growth. While the pool is not intended for swimming or drinking, experts warn that unchecked algae can lead to the presence of harmful cyanobacteria, posing risks to animals that might ingest the water.

The pool was refilled with Washington, D.C. municipal water treated with phosphates to prevent lead leaching, a factor that can inadvertently feed algae. Duck droppings also contribute nutrients to the water. On-site, a mix of clear and green water was visible as workers continue efforts to resolve the problems. The work is expected to extend beyond the July 4 deadline originally targeted for completion.

Government spokespeople highlighted the importance of the restoration project and condemned the acts of vandalism described by President Trump, although no charges or detailed evidence have been publicly disclosed. An incident report released by the U.S. Park Police indicated that the suspects in the alleged vandalism remain unknown and did not reference fertilizer dumping or damage to the sealant’s surface.

As the renovation proceeds, the Reflecting Pool remains a focal point for visitors and officials alike, embodying both the aspirations and challenges of maintaining a historic landmark under tight timelines and scrutiny.