National Guard and US Park Police patrol Reflecting Pool as coating peels

National Guard members and U.S. Park Police are patrolling the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool following a failed $14 million renovation project. The project, which aimed to revitalize the site for the nation's 250th anniversary, resulted in a vibrant green algae bloom and a peeling pool liner. President Donald Trump, who personally selected the pool's new American flag blue coating, claims the damage was caused by vandals who used box cutters and dumped fertilizer into the water. Despite these allegations, the president has not provided evidence to support the claims, and the causes of the intense algae growth remain unclear. Authorities have reportedly made multiple arrests in connection to the site, though some individuals claim they were merely curious onlookers. One detained person described testing the rubbery texture of the peeling liner before being taken into custody. The White House is currently assessing the damage and indicates that the pool will likely need to be drained again for repairs. Contractors are currently utilizing chemicals and ozone nanobubbles in an attempt to manage the algae. The administration faces pressure to complete a successful renovation as the 250th-anniversary celebration approaches.