Trump returns to Reflecting Pool

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool remains closed to visitors as President Donald Trump prepares for a campaign rally on the site. He is scheduled to address supporters at 2 p.m. Monday to make his final pitch ahead of the midterm elections. This visit serves as his closing argument in the race.

The pool underwent a major renovation that began in the spring. The project involved repainting the basin in a color Trump described as American flag blue. On May 7, the president and his entourage drove across the freshly painted surface. The initial no-bid contract was valued at $1.5 million, but costs eventually rose to ten times that amount.

Issues emerged shortly after the work began. The liner separated, and large algae blooms appeared after oxygenating water bubbles were removed. Contractors drained the site to clean and repair the damage. A sealant contractor finished warranty repairs on the peeling liner on Oct. 2. The pool has since been refilled but stays fenced off.

The National Park Service announced that the area, including surrounding walkways and grass medians, will remain closed until Nov. 21. Trump told reporters he wanted to show the public the current condition of the pool following the repairs. This comes after campaign stops where he defended the renovation projects.