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By Joshua Sammons
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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has drawn widespread commentary after becoming the latest landmark to undergo renovation as part of President Donald Trump’s broader beautification efforts. This one hasn't gone quite to plan.
The $14 million renovation, intended to give the landmark a deeper "American flag blue" appearance, drew attention after algae spread across the surface, turning the water green just days after it was refilled.
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The algal bloom has prompted criticism and mockery online and from late-night hosts, adding pressure on the administration ahead of July 4 events.
The issue also prompted heated debate among Newsweek readers, with commenters weighing in on everything from the project's costs to the administration's handling of the setback. Here is what they had to say:
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Why Readers Say the Pool Turned Green
Original Article: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Is Now Green: 4 Possible Reasons
Background: The reflecting pool project is part of a broader effort to revamp the National Mall ahead of America's 250th birthday.
Reader Comment: "I'm expecting the faux gold he's slapping on everything to start tarnishing and sloughing off shortly. How about the $8 million he spent to gold gild four bronze horse statues out on the mall? Some day, someone will tally up all of the taxpayer monies he's wasted on his 'beautification projects,' and we will be incensed." Won'tGetFooledAgain
Editor’s Note: This reader criticized the cost and appearance of Trump's broader beautification efforts, arguing that taxpayers could ultimately bear the burden of projects they viewed as unnecessary.
Reader Comment: "Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social that appeared to mock liberal critics by showing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool being filled with a crying person's tears. Just days before it turned green. Who's crying now? Hahaha!" Gregg J
Editor’s Note: Referencing an AI-generated video shared by Trump, this reader saw irony in the pool's subsequent discoloration and used it to mock the administration's handling of the project.
Reader Comment: "It looks green because it is green. I'm pretty sure if we give Trump another $20 million he can fix it, at least temporarily." JoeJohnson
Editor’s Note: This commenter expressed skepticism that more spending would produce a lasting fix.
Reader Comment: "So Trump created a swamp. I thought he was getting rid of the swamp, so only he could make decisions for the government?" commonsense690
Editor’s Note: Drawing on Trump's long-running "drain the swamp" slogan, this reader used the pool's appearance as a metaphor to criticize the administration.
How Officials Are Treating the Pool
Original Article: How Safe is Hydrogen Peroxide? Workers Add Chemical to Green Reflecting Pool
Background: Officials have said hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble treatment are being used to try to restore the reflecting pool's clarity.
**Reader Comment: "**Obama took years, spent over twice the money in 2012 dollars and got worse results, but all good for Obama, right??" TrumpOwnsLibs
Editor’s Note: This reader argued that criticism of the current project should be viewed alongside earlier restoration efforts, including work carried out during the Obama administration.
How the Pool Has Changed Over the Years
Original Article: Pictures Show How Reflecting Pool Has Changed Over the Decades
Background: The pool, which stretches east from the Lincoln Memorial toward the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument, has served as the backdrop for major historical events, with photos showing its changing color and condition over time.
Reader Comment: "I don't recall any complaining when Obama refurbished the reflecting pool at a cost of $30 million in 2012. His attempt to make the water clean also failed, maybe because he lowered the depth of the pool. Trump's attempt to repair the pool and surrounding paths, repaint the surface, and add a filtration system haven't been a smashing success…but there is still time to fix it.
"Trump's refurbishment cost $13.1 million and came out of the same fund that paid for the Obama 2012 refurbishment, the National Park Service. I'm not sure what all of the hubbub is about. I hope the project is a huge success and looks beautiful for our nation's 250th birthday. USA! USA! USA!" French Bread & Brie
Editor’s Note: This reader compared the current renovation with earlier work on the pool and argued that the latest project should be given more time before being judged.
Let us know what you think—and look out for more highlighted comments coming soon.
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