Former President Donald Trump said the renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool would last up to 100 years before needing major work and described the water as "clean, beautiful" and the material’s color as the dark blue of the American Flag. He also said the project had "just opened to rave reviews" and pushed back on criticism that the work amounted to a "paint job".

Shortly after the renovation was completed, algae turned the Reflecting Pool green. According to bluesky, the sealant on the renovated pool has reportedly peeled and federal crews were called in for emergency cleanup. Water was pumped out of the Reflecting Pool on June 16, 2026 as part of the cleaning, and the final drops of water were added and the nanobubbler was switched on, according to the Guardian. Crews refilled the Reflecting Pool ahead of July 4, 2026, as reported by GDELT.

Accounts differ on the renovation’s cost. Bluesky reported the project cost roughly $15 million, while the Guardian cited a cost of $14.2 million and also quoted Trump as saying the project would cost $1.8 million. The Guardian also reported that President Trump steered a no‑bid contract for the renovation to a company that worked on his golf resort.

The pool’s early issues contrast with the initial assurances of durability and aesthetic success.