The tab for renovations at the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool has climbed again, with federal records now showing a total contract cost of $14.7 million—a $1.5 million increase from just a month ago. The contract, held by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, has become a flashpoint in the debate over federal spending on Washington, D.C., projects ahead of the nation's 250th birthday.
According to a federal database updated Thursday, the contract's value rose to $14.2 million after a transaction on June 3. A subsequent charge of roughly $460,000 on June 15 pushed the total higher, though the specific expense remains unclear. The White House directed inquiries to the Interior Department, which did not respond to requests for comment.
The escalating costs come as the pool grapples with persistent algae blooms. The Trump administration has touted its use of hydrogen peroxide to combat the growth, with the Interior Department issuing a statement that drew comparisons between the cleanup and military action. “The Reflecting Pool water is crystal clear, and our National Park Service team is now vacuuming up the dead algae resting on the bottom of some parts of the Reflecting Pool—just like the destroyed Iranian Navy resting on the bottom of the Persian Gulf,” the department said on social media.
The contract has faced scrutiny since The New York Times reported that it included an inflated profit margin. Critics have seized on the rising costs as evidence of mismanagement, while the administration defends the work as part of a broader push to refurbish national monuments. President Trump has dismissed claims of a mere “paint job,” insisting the project is essential for the iconic landmark.
The algae problem has been a recurring embarrassment. Earlier this year, green slime returned just days after a $13 million renovation was completed, prompting the Park Service to deploy hydrogen peroxide treatments. The administration has framed the cleanup as a success, but the repeated blooms have raised questions about the long-term effectiveness of the work.
Beyond the Reflecting Pool, the Trump administration is channeling tens of millions of dollars into D.C. projects, including plans for a July 4 rally at the Lincoln Memorial as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations. A new promenade plan for the Lincoln Memorial is also in the works, alongside a $5 million effort to regild equestrian statues. These expenditures have fueled a broader debate over priorities, especially as the algae saga continues to dominate headlines.
The Interior Department has not provided a timeline for when the pool might be algae-free, nor has it explained the latest cost overrun. With the 250th anniversary approaching, the pressure is on to deliver a pristine monument—but the rising price tag and persistent green water suggest the challenge is far from over.
