Burgum Touts ‘Actual Solution’ To Algae Problem In Latest Reflecting Pool Update

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool appears to be kicking off America’s 251st year with crystal clear water.

After concerns about vandalism and an algae bloom following recent renovations, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum provided an update over the weekend that highlighted all the progress that has been made in recent days.

As The Hill reported:

“The algae is all gone. I mean, that was a momentary thing as the [Reflecting Pool] was being refilled, there was algae in the pipes, but the new technology, the nanobubblers that have been installed, if you go down there today and look at it, it is completely clean and clear,” Burgum said during a Sunday appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“And so, for the first time, there’s an actual solution that involves making sure that we’ve got an algae-free pond,” he added.

Trump administration officials have repeatedly defended the multimillion-dollar project to renovate the Reflecting Pool and the decision to paint the bottom “American flag” blue after onlookers reported algae blooms tainted the clear water.

President Trump touted the recent efforts to remove algae from the pool in a post on Truth Social showing the water appeared to be clearer than in previous days.

Here’s some of the social media reaction:

🚨 JUST NOW: President Trump posts incredible comparison of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, HUSSEIN OBAMA versus Donald Trump

Leftists HATE THIS SO MUCH they have to vandalize it.

Pathetic! pic.twitter.com/raHwbf0Vlz

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 5, 2026

From Greg Wischer at the United States Department of the Interior: "Photo just taken of the Reflecting Pool. As you can see, the water is crystal clear." pic.twitter.com/UzHSUMcQW7

— Unofficial Trump on X (@trump_repost) July 5, 2026

Reflecting Pool Sparkling Clean After Epic July 4th Fireworks Show — (Video: AI)

Clean up crew has already got the debris out of the reflecting pool from the historic fireworks show.

Despite a former Olympian, David Hearn, being arrested and indicted for allegedly vandalizing… pic.twitter.com/TRGuIMeEf8

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) July 5, 2026

TMZ provided these details following the July 4 celebration in D.C.:

Crews seemingly used long-handled tools and nets to scoop debris from the water while others worked along the edges of the pool, making sure one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks was restored to the “American Flag Blue” color President Trumpchose during his $16 Million renovation.

The annual Fourth of July celebration draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the National Mall … and while the fireworks only last a few minutes, the cleanup operation is stretching well into the next day.

And here’s a clip from Burgum’s interview: