Crews drained the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on Friday as part of a renovation project overseen by the National Park Service. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told podcaster Katie Miller that the draining was planned and that water might still contain debris from a recent Independence Day fireworks display. He added that the pool would be repaired, cleaned and refilled.

Trump has made the pool a symbol of American patriotism, proposing a liner that reflects the colors of the United States flag. The project, estimated to cost more than $16 million as of June, has been delayed by algae growth and a deteriorating blue liner. The administration attributes the damage to vandalism, a claim that has led to several arrests, including former cyclist David Hearn, who pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of property destruction.

Hearn’s lawyers argue that the indictment serves to deflect blame from the administration’s own failures. Critics say the selection of contractors, such as Green Water Solutions and Atlantic Industrial Coatings, raises concerns about nepotism because of their reported connections to Trump officials.

Democratic members of Congress have opened investigations into the project’s funding and the procurement process. The administration announced it will not solicit new bids for the next phase and will use the same contractor, Green Water Solutions, which received a $1.7 million contract for a water‑purification system, and Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which was awarded $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.

In addition to the pool renovation, the administration has announced plans to demolish the White House East Wing to construct a $400 million ballroom and to build a tall arch linking the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery, aiming to complete the pool work before the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.

Problems surfaced after the initial liner was cut by a sharp object on June 9, leading to a temporary closure before the fireworks event.