President Donald Trump on August 28 cited a report from Greg Wischer of the U.S. Department of the Interior on social media platform X, stating that the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall has been partially refilled and workers are flushing its piping system for the first time in more than a decade.
Wischer noted that photos published by The New York Times showing debris in the pool were taken after the largest fireworks show in history, which had launch points alongside the pool. Due to neglect by previous administrations, more than half of the 58 water supply ports were so clogged they were deemed nonfunctioning.
Work began after July 4. The National Park Service has also cleaned the granite, pressure washed the sidewalk, and removed several hazardous trees next to the pool. Wischer said the pool will open in a few weeks, adding: "NO VANDALS PLEASE."
