In a move that has drawn both praise and scorn, President Donald Trump has ordered urgent repairs to the Washington D.C. Reflecting Pool following an outbreak of algae that turned the iconic landmark into a murky green soup. The pool, situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial, has been closed to the public since last week when the algae bloom became visible to visitors and staff.
Trump, who has frequently criticised the state of infrastructure in the United States, took to Twitter on Sunday to announce the directive. "The Reflecting Pool is a disgrace. We need to make it beautiful again, fast," he wrote. "I am ordering an immediate clean-up and repair." The White House confirmed that the National Park Service has been instructed to prioritise the work, with funds redirected from other projects.
The algae outbreak is believed to have been caused by a combination of warm weather, stagnant water, and nutrient runoff. Environmental groups have long warned that the pool's filtration system is outdated and in need of an upgrade. The National Park Service said in a statement that repairs would include draining the pool, scrubbing the liner, and replacing the filtration system.
Critics, however, argue that Trump's focus on the Reflecting Pool is a distraction from more pressing issues. "The President is treating a tourist attraction as a national priority while real problems like wages and healthcare go unaddressed," said a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association. "This is exactly the kind of misplaced focus that defines his administration."
Supporters counter that the Reflecting Pool is a symbol of national pride and should be maintained to the highest standard. "The President understands that our national monuments must reflect the greatness of our country," said a White House spokesperson. "This is a necessary and urgent repair."
The cost of the repairs has not been disclosed, but estimates from previous maintenance projects suggest it could run into the millions. The work is expected to take several months, during which the pool will remain closed. Tourists visiting the National Mall have expressed disappointment but many understand the need for the work.
As the clean-up begins, the debate over the President's priorities continues. For now, the Reflecting Pool serves as a backdrop for jokes and criticism, but also hope that it will one day reflect something more than just green slime.