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A U.S. Park Police officer stands at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with tourists visible along the far side of the pool and lush green trees in the background. The pool water appears visibly green from algae blooms.

A U.S. Park Police officer stands watch at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. The pool is set to undergo additional repairs just days before America's 250th anniversary celebration, as algae blooms and peeling paint continue to plague the site following a prior renovation. Photo: SWinxy

Plagued by Algae and Peeling Paint, Reflecting Pool Set to Undergo More Repairs

June 25, 2026

Plagued by Algae and Peeling Paint, Reflecting Pool Set to Undergo More Repairs

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been green with algae and covered in peeling paint since its last renovation. Now more repairs are coming, days before America's 250th birthday. Who is responsible, and what does it cost taxpayers?

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PBS News Hour Classroom
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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is set to undergo more repairs, just days ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. That’s according to Trump, who has repeatedly claimed without evidence that vandals caused the algae blooms and peeling paint that have plagued the pool since its renovation.

View the transcript of the story.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.

Warm-Up Questions

  1. What problems developed at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after its renovation?
  2. When are the new repairs to the Reflecting Pool expected to begin?
  3. Where is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool located?
  4. Why has the Reflecting Pool become a source of political controversy?
  5. How much money has been spent on the renovation project?

Essential Questions

  • What information would you need to evaluate the competing claims presented in the report?
  • Why might taxpayers be concerned about the cost and management of public projects?
  • Media literacy: The video includes statements from government officials, legal experts and technical experts. Which sources do you find most credible for determining the cause of the damage, and why? What additional evidence would you want to see before reaching a conclusion?

A PBS NewsHour three-panel aerial comparison showing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at different points in time: clear blue water on the left, increasingly green algae-affected water in the center, and a murky gray-green pool on the right, illustrating the pool's deterioration since its renovation.

What Students Can Do

Imagine you are a reporter covering this story. Write at least two interview questions for the following individuals:

  • A government official
  • A construction expert
  • A taxpayer or visitor to the memorial

In groups, compare questions and discuss how each person's perspective could help the public better understand the issue.

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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.

PBS News Hour Classroom
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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