parks
Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained and will be ‘put back into service soon’
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
By Mary Kay Mallonee, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained Monday to make repairs and that it “will be refilled and put back into service soon,” again claiming that vandals gashed the pool’s lining.
CNN observed that much of the water had be...
Key takeaway Since Trump called for the pool’s renovation in April, the more than $14 million project has been plagued by massive algae blooms, green-hued water, a chipping bottom and allegations of vandalism.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso residents who have visited the nation's capital, the Reflecting Pool's renovation woes may evoke memories of the city's own experiences with maintaining public spaces. The $14 million price tag for the pool's renovation is a significant investment, and El Pasoans may wonder how such funds could be allocated for similar projects in their own community. As the Reflecting Pool's issues with algae blooms and vandalism are addressed, El Paso's own parks department may take note of the challenges and solutions implemented in the nation's capital. The city's own efforts to maintain and improve its public parks and green spaces could potentially benefit from lessons learned in Washington D.C. Additionally, the Reflecting Pool's situation may prompt El Pasoans to consider the importance of preserving and protecting their own local landmarks and public spaces.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Mary Kay Mallonee, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained Monday to make repairs and that it “will be refilled and put back into service soon,” again claiming that vandals gashed the pool’s lining.
CNN observed that much of the water had be...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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