Trump's $14m Reflecting Pool Renovation Descends into Farce

President Donald Trump's $14 million renovation of Washington's Reflecting Pool on the National Mall has become a debacle ahead of the US's 250th birthday on 4 July. Trump bypassed competitive bidding, awarding the contract to a company that worked at one of his golf clubs. The pool was drained, painted 'American Flag Blue', and refilled in early June. Within days, the water turned green from algae, the lining detached, and a dead duckling was found. Trump claimed sabotage, alleging fertilizer was added and a 350-foot slit cut, offering no proof. At least four law enforcement agencies now patrol the perimeter. The pool is slated to be drained again, though it's unclear if repairs will finish by 4 July. Visitors like Ken Kolibas, 71, from New Jersey, support the project as a symbol of national pride, while Mark Reil, 34, from Massachusetts, called it a waste of money. An Olympic canoeist was among five arrested for alleged vandalism after picking up paint chips.