parks
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump’s troubled revamp
By ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
WASHINGTON (AP) — Crews are again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump’s problem-plagued efforts to revamp the waterway pushes well past his initial goal of having it ready by July 4 to mark the nation’s 250th birthday.
The president at first suggested his renov...
Key takeaway Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, told conservative podcaster Katie Miller in an interview released earlier this week that the new round of draining was planned.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis residents watching the saga of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's renovation may be reminded of their own experiences with public space renovations, such as the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Minneapolis park system. The Reflecting Pool's troubles, from algae blooms to peeling coatings, raise questions about the importance of careful planning and execution in large-scale projects. As Minneapolis continues to invest in its own public spaces, the city's leaders would do well to consider the potential pitfalls of rushed or poorly managed renovations. The fact that the Reflecting Pool's problems have already led to costly rework and potential legal action serves as a cautionary tale for local officials overseeing similar projects in Minneapolis. By prioritizing thorough planning and community engagement, Minneapolis can avoid similar mistakes and create public spaces that truly serve the needs of its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON (AP) — Crews are again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump’s problem-plagued efforts to revamp the waterway pushes well past his initial goal of having it ready by July 4 to mark the nation’s 250th birthday.
The president at first suggested his renov...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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