In an executive action bypassing environmental reviews, President Trump has ordered the National Park Service to begin immediate repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been overtaken by green algae blooms. The order, issued late Tuesday, directs the Army Corps of Engineers to drain and scrub the 2,295-foot pool within 90 days.
Sources confirm the President was personally irritated by the condition of the pool during a recent visit. The algae bloom, driven by nutrient runoff and warm weather, has turned the iconic Washington landmark into what one aide described as a "pea soup mess."
The emergency repair order sidesteps standard federal procurement and environmental impact assessments. The White House Council on Environmental Quality has issued a special waiver under the National Environmental Policy Act, citing "emergency conditions" in the nation's capital.
Uncovered documents show the president's company, the Trump Organization, has no direct financial interest in the repair project. However, a Trump-owned hotel in the District of Columbia stands to benefit from any increase in tourist traffic resulting from the improvements. The hotel has seen a significant drop in occupancy rates this summer.
The UK Foreign Office has announced that travel advisories for Washington will remain unchanged. "The reflecting pool is a minor aesthetic issue," a spokesperson said. "British tourists are advised to enjoy the many other attractions of the city."
Environmental groups have expressed concern about the rapid draining of the pool, which could displace or kill aquatic life. The pool is home to several species of fish and turtles.
The estimated cost of the emergency repair is $2.5 million, drawn from the National Park Service's emergency maintenance fund. Critics argue the money should be spent on urgent repairs at other underfunded parks across the country.
The White House insists the project will be completed without cost overruns or corruption. "The president is cutting through the red tape to get this done quickly and efficiently," a press secretary said.
But sources inside the Army Corps of Engineers warn that rushing the job could lead to shoddy workmanship, possibly requiring further repairs within two years.
The algae itself is not toxic to humans, but its presence has led tourists to complain about the smell. Photos of the green pool have gone viral on social media.
The repair order is expected to be challenged in federal court by conservation groups. They argue that the emergency waiver sets a dangerous precedent for presidential interference in national park maintenance.
This reporter has seen internal emails showing that the order was drafted by White House aides with no prior experience in water treatment or civil engineering. The emails also show that the Army Corps of Engineers was given just 48 hours to produce a cost estimate.
The reflecting pool was originally built in the 1920s and has undergone several major renovations. The last full cleaning was in 2009, costing $1.8 million. At that time, the work was completed over six months with extensive environmental monitoring.
President Trump has not visited the pool since issuing the order. His schedule includes a rally in Florida this weekend.
The National Park Service has not yet announced a bidder for the repair contract. Sources close to the process say it will likely go to a firm with close ties to the administration.
This is a developing story. More details to follow as documents emerge.
