The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool received a $14.7 million renovation completed in spring 2026. Days before U.S. 250th anniversary events, algae blooms and peeling paint appeared, prompting Donald Trump to claim on Truth Social that a gash of 250 to 350 feet had been deliberately cut into the hard rubber lining. At least six people, including former Olympian David Hearn, were arrested on vandalism charges while government documents and inspections attributed the visible issues to non-intentional causes.