Exclusive
Reflecting Pool liner failed in 85 places after flawed renovation, inspection found
The damage identified by an inspection the contractor commissioned is far more extensive than has been previously reported, a document obtained by The Post shows.
By
Meg Kelly
October 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. EDTYesterday at 5:00 a.m. EDT
Summary
The blue coating applied to the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool this summer failed in at least 85 places because of errors in the renovation, including the premature refilling of the basin before the liner had fully dried, according to an inspection report obtained by The Washington Post.
The Aug. 6 report, commissioned by the contractor that did the work, documents far more damage than has been previously reported. President Donald Trump has generally attributed the damage to vandals, but the report makes no mention of vandalism to the liner and blames the problems on the use of improper materials and a rush to complete the job. The administration wanted the project finished in time for the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
I can remember one or two TRUMP Cultists posting that they were confidant there was some vandalism involved. Be honest who of you thought that vandals with knives were the cause?