A claim circulated online in June 2026 alleging that paint used to repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had begun peeling shortly after its application. The paint, described as “American flag blue,” was part of a renovation authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, with over $14 million allocated for the project to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Social media users shared images and videos purportedly showing the paint detaching from the pool’s surface. Some attributed this to sabotage, while others suggested the material seen in the footage was merely debris.
The pool’s water had been drained in April 2026 for the renovation and repainting, with the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, selected without a bidding process to ensure timely completion for the July 4th anniversary. National Park Service workers began refilling the pool in early June after the paint had dried. However, by mid-June, a significant green algae bloom was observed in the pool.
On June 18, news outlets published images and videos showcasing the blue paint peeling off and floating on the water. Photos also revealed a tear in the sealant applied to the pool’s bottom.
The peeling paint is suspected to be related to the use of hydrogen peroxide, which National Park Service workers were reportedly using to treat the algae bloom. Hydrogen peroxide is known to have properties that can break down certain paints. While officials have not definitively confirmed the cause of the peeling, this chemical treatment is considered a likely factor.
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