Workers continue repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2026. US President Donald Trump had made the renovation of the reflecting pool a national drama by repeatedly discussing plans and providing regular updates of the expedited work ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations earlier this summer. When the pool liner began peeling off and algae grew quickly despite the application of chemicals, Trump blamed vandalism for the damage while providing no meaningful evidence. (Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images)