Questions are mounting over Donald Trump‘s Reflecting Pool renovation after a dead duck was found floating in the water over the weekend, days after cleanup crews treated the site with hydrogen peroxide.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about algae, a peeling liner, and the broader $14 million renovation of the landmark.
While officials have not confirmed the cause of the duck’s death, the discovery has intensified scrutiny of the Donald Trump-backed project and its recent maintenance efforts.
Dead Duck In Reflecting Pool Raises Fresh Doubts Over $14M Cleanup Project
Fresh questions have emerged about the condition of Washington, D.C.’s Reflecting Pool after a dead duck was found floating in the water over the weekend, just days after workers were seen treating the water with hydrogen peroxide as part of ongoing cleanup efforts.
Political journalist Rob Crilly shared images of the bird on social media, prompting renewed scrutiny of the recently renovated pool.
Crilly said an expert suggested the water could contain signs of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, which can become harmful to wildlife when present in large blooms.
“At the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, and I’m sorry to report that we have a dead duckling,” the journalist wrote on X. “Last week, the tests suggested the algae was harmless, but an expert tells me we could have signs of cyanobacteria.”
In the meantime, there is currently no evidence linking the duck’s death to the algae, and the cause remains unknown.
See the graphic images here.
The Sighting Of A Dead Duckling Has Led To Increased Scrutiny Of Donald Trump’s Lincoln Pool Renovation
The incident has added to criticism surrounding the Trump administration’s $14 million restoration project, as it has faced ongoing complaints over algae growth and reports that sections of the newly installed blue liner are peeling away.
Workers recently treated the water with hydrogen peroxide in an attempt to address the issue, but concerns about the project’s effectiveness continue to grow.
The dead duck has now added to the streak of issues afflicting the Lincoln pool, with one critic on X writing, “Everything he touches turns to sh-t!!!! Now, he’s killing animals. But we are vandalizing it. Yeah, no, dipsh-t. YOU DID THIS!!!!!”
“Oh, my God. Trump’s reflecting pool killed an innocent baby duck,” another person commented, while a third added, “Trump’s irresponsible mismanagement of the Reflecting Pool has resulted in the death of a baby duck. Disgraceful and disgusting. EVERYTHING Trump touches dies.”
The President Blames Vandals For Reflecting Pool Damage
President Donald Trump has blamed some of the problems on vandalism. Speaking Saturday, he claimed the National Mall landmark had been damaged by vandals and suggested the pool may need to be drained for repairs.
He claimed individuals had been arrested in connection with the incidents, though he did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
According to a senior administration official, five people were arrested on vandalism allegations, and five others received federal citations. Authorities reportedly logged 14 incidents, including one claim that a more than 250-foot section of material had been deliberately cut.
Defending the project, Trump said the Reflecting Pool had “never been so beautiful” before the recent damage. The renovation forms part of a broader effort to improve prominent Washington landmarks ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
Despite those ambitions, the project has become increasingly controversial. Among those drawn into the dispute was three-time U.S. Olympian David Hearn, who said he was arrested after briefly examining a loose section of material protruding from the pool floor.
Olympian Arrested Over Reflecting Pool Incident Denies Causing Damage
Hearn, who has a background in materials science, said he became curious after reading reports about algae issues and peeling liner material.
He admitted touching the partially detached section but denied causing any damage. According to Hearn, a National Park Service employee told him not to reach into the water, and he was later approached by National Guard personnel before being arrested by U.S. Park Police.
He now faces charges related to the destruction and defacement of government property, as well as failing to obey a government employee.
Hearn has strongly denied the allegations, insisting he was acting only as a “curious citizen.”
“There’s nothing about the Reflecting Pool that was in any different condition after I left there than it had before I went by there yesterday,” he said. “I didn’t remove anything. I didn’t break, tear, peel, or rip, or destroy anything.”
He is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.
Donald Trump’s Reflecting Pool Renovation Sparks Legal Dispute Over ‘American Flag Blue’ Changes
The controversy comes months after Trump launched an ambitious effort to overhaul the Reflecting Pool.
Earlier this year, he described the landmark as “absolutely filthy” and pledged to restore it to a cleaner, more attractive landmark that better complements the surrounding national monuments.
After work began in March, the project expanded beyond routine maintenance to include cosmetic changes, most notably the decision to coat the bottom of the pool in what Trump called “American flag blue.”
According to CNN, the alteration quickly triggered legal action from a nonprofit organization, which argued that federal preservation laws required the Interior Department to complete a formal consultation process before making changes to a historic national landmark.
The group claims those requirements were not properly followed before work began.