CA, US & World
Residual Algae Appears in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Just Days After Trump Administration Touts Renovations
WASHINGTON — Visible algae has already begun forming along the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, arriving just one day after the reservoir was refilled following an extensive federal renovation project. The sudden presence of the organic bloom has drawn scrutiny to the iconic landmark, which the Trump administration has spent recent days heavily promoting as a hallmark of its infrastructure achievements.
While filming at the site on Wednesday, news crews captured video of a maintenance worker actively clearing algae deposits from the bottom of the recently filled pool. In response to inquiries, the Department of the Interior minimized the issue, characterizing the bloom as residual algae that naturally occurs when restarting operations at the reservoir.
Kate Martin, the communications director for the Interior Department, explained in an official statement that the material originated from water supply lines that sat completely dormant for eight weeks during the construction phase. Martin emphasized that the buildup is a standard part of the initial startup process and noted that crews are actively removing the visible deposits. She added that a newly installed, state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system will systematically maintain the pool and keep it entirely free of algae moving forward.
The administration has used the project to draw sharp political contrasts. In her statement, Martin praised President Donald J. Trump as an expert builder who fixed the reservoir permanently, contrasting the work with what she described as a failed and extremely costly repair attempt by the Obama-Biden administration. According to federal contract summaries, the previous administration spent 35.3 million dollars on reflecting pool renovations.
President Trump has frequently touted the multi-million-dollar project during recent public appearances, including an address to farmers in Wisconsin and multiple events in the Oval Office. The president previously criticized the condition of the landmark under past administrations, describing it as feces-infested, leaky, and heavily degraded.
The ultimate price tag of the current project has steadily climbed over time. While the president initially stated the renovations would cost between 1.8 million and 3 million dollars, official contract figures rose to 13.1 million dollars before settling at 14.2 million dollars. President Trump recently offices indicated to reporters that ongoing exterior updates could eventually bring the total expenditure close to 20 million dollars.
Local residents and tourists gathered around the National Mall on Wednesday offered varying perspectives on the updates, which include a fresh coat of American flag blue paint along the pool's floor. Some visitors expressed surprise and relief that the hue appeared subtle and reflected the sky beautifully rather than resembling a bright swimming pool. Other locals remained skeptical of the high cost, arguing that millions of dollars in federal funding would be better spent addressing regional homelessness or noting that the pool looks largely unchanged despite the lengthy closure.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 10, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips