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riversedge

(82,051 posts)
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:00 AM Yesterday

Holy shit!! There are huge chunks of blue paint coming off the reflecting pool already... It seems the peroxide loosened t

OMG!!



Holy shit!! There are huge chunks of blue paint coming off the reflecting pool already…
It seems the peroxide loosened things up, yikes!!

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE.




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155 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Holy shit!! There are huge chunks of blue paint coming off the reflecting pool already... It seems the peroxide loosened t (Original Post) riversedge Yesterday OP
*snort* tanyev Yesterday #1
Thank you tanyev, she is perfect for this occasion wyn borkins Yesterday #13
When I was in elementary school, I was sitting next to my best friend... C Moon 13 hrs ago #143
Now that is funny...but embarassing at the same time (n/t) wyn borkins 11 hrs ago #145
If someone snorted twice my brother would say "that was a two snorter" then they would completely lose it. twodogsbarking Yesterday #74
That's what you get when you hire those two guys in the beat-up pickup MineralMan Yesterday #2
...and at the last minute underpants Yesterday #32
That's always been his M.O. IrishAfricanAmerican 23 hrs ago #91
i want a refund!!!! samnsara Yesterday #3
Drain the damn swamp! Phillies3737 20 hrs ago #115
I don't know a lot about paint, gab13by13 Yesterday #4
Ive never heard of painting a pool..you do a resurfacing of the pool material BlueWaveNeverEnd Yesterday #8
there is paint made for pools Kali 17 hrs ago #133
The chunks of blue that are being held up look as if it's a latex paint put on allegorical oracle 18 hrs ago #129
there is a finish that is kind of a vinyl or other "plastic" that is installed with flame guns Kali 17 hrs ago #134
Duh! malaise Yesterday #5
Its also a good drain cleaner Bayard 12 min ago #154
Will try it malaise 11 min ago #155
He will close down the pool now for permanent renovations newdeal2 Yesterday #6
They are desparate for a fix by july 4th BlueWaveNeverEnd Yesterday #10
Then they better drain it and order a bunch of mirrors newdeal2 Yesterday #20
The "or something" popsdenver Yesterday #38
We need a tipped-over washing machine and a black Suburban SUV on blocks in the front yard. OMGWTF Yesterday #55
Tractor pull and mud wrestling at the same time! erronis Yesterday #57
Throw in one more ring for the circus and have a demolition derby with Tesla cybertrucks versus monster trucks. state of stupid 23 hrs ago #85
shhh.ush.......Please do not give nutcase Trumpy any more ideas!! riversedge 7 hrs ago #147
Keep the dirty water in it NHvet Yesterday #69
Don't give these knuckleheads any ideas. EndlessMaze 21 hrs ago #110
My thought exactly BamaRefugee Yesterday #83
Desperation will make it worse MadameButterfly Yesterday #59
What year???? marble falls 5 hrs ago #151
Maybe he'll just put a big tarp around it too CincyDem 22 hrs ago #101
At least Danascot 5 hrs ago #150
That's gonna be one BIG tarp! n/t VTderry 16 hrs ago #136
It seems everything he touches really does die. Even paint jobs. Biophilic Yesterday #7
I know. I was hoping he'd destroy the Republican party first, tanyev Yesterday #14
They are dumber than rocks malaise Yesterday #18
Thanks Sequoia Yesterday #26
LOL malaise Yesterday #28
Everything he touches dies except for algae. Ocelot II Yesterday #15
Hey, that's a TERRIFIC slogan for him! calimary 20 hrs ago #119
What in the world can he do to a billion $$ ballroom? Will it collapse or peel in allegorical oracle 17 hrs ago #131
ETTD UpInArms Yesterday #9
Yep! I really want to know just how much he owed his 'pool guys' for work done at his clubs Attilatheblond 18 hrs ago #127
Can't wait for the headlines, and for Trump to blame Biden and Obama! Doodley Yesterday #11
Drain it, pave it over, cover it with mirrors... The Madcap Yesterday #12
One project and multiple problems. Hiring the right people who you vett and their expertise for a start Deuxcents Yesterday #16
"good and honest" tanyev Yesterday #21
Making America Grody Again - one "win" at a time. Solly Mack Yesterday #17
Now there is a word I have not heard in ages. niyad Yesterday #54
The classics... Solly Mack Yesterday #60
So very true. niyad Yesterday #68
Never completely stopped saying... Phillies3737 20 hrs ago #118
It certainly was quite in vogue for a time. Such things tend to stick with one. niyad 14 hrs ago #141
Halfway expecting Mr. trump will suggest filling it with ivermectin Torchlight Yesterday #19
While amusing because it illustrates Trump's total incompetence & lies, I feel badly this hlthe2b Yesterday #22
Yes, and also this: how do we know it's from the paint? FakeNoose Yesterday #45
Typical Cirsium 22 hrs ago #97
Probably because of security reasons Texas_Blue_Dem Yesterday #81
He's out in the open frequently. Most recently on the lawn on the south side of the WH, but also hlthe2b 23 hrs ago #86
Floating blue chunks on a pool of green. How colorful. wnylib Yesterday #23
I Think It's More Likely... ProfessorGAC Yesterday #24
and wait until the last minute underpants Yesterday #31
It's almost a certainty that a 2-part... keep_left Yesterday #49
Maybe a vandal is throwing crumpled sheets of blue plastic into the pool when nobody is looking? FakeNoose Yesterday #76
Knowing Trump's reputation... keep_left Yesterday #84
The Pool shouldn't have been painted at all according to this: HighFired49 21 hrs ago #111
Makes Sense ProfessorGAC 21 hrs ago #112
Cheap work doesn't come cheap! purr-rat beauty Yesterday #25
Just saying Whip-poor-will Yesterday #29
The cheaper the labor, the bigger the kickback. GoCubsGo Yesterday #70
Maybe it's time for America to "REFLECT" on why it put that stupid son-of-bitch in the White House--twice! RedWhiteBlueIsRacist Yesterday #27
77,000,000+ people don't care dave99 Yesterday #73
🤣 IrishAfricanAmerican Yesterday #30
Didn't they have people with expertise in pools.... Lovie777 Yesterday #33
Yeah, trump knew a guy... Wounded Bear Yesterday #63
I was in the antique restoration and repair business for 20 years FalloutShelter 23 hrs ago #88
The pool was completely redone during the Obama administration. Scruffy1 14 hrs ago #142
They are expert ratfuckers. This seems intentional Ponietz Yesterday #34
Maybe Trump shouldn't have driven his presidential limo and motorcade across the freshly painted surface? sop Yesterday #35
The Beast weighs approximately 20,000 lbs. Lars39 Yesterday #42
Haven't we taxpayers paid for a bullet proof golf cart yet? progressoid Yesterday #46
"The Beast weighs approximately 20,000 lbs.". Blumancru 23 hrs ago #94
Heh Lars39 20 hrs ago #117
More images chowder66 Yesterday #36
Thanks for the non-Musky links Maru Kitteh Yesterday #78
The liberal water molecules are sabotaging Devilsun Yesterday #37
The success is measured by how much cash drumpf pocketed JoseBalow Yesterday #39
A perfect metaphor for this administratioin. Take something whichi s fine, say it needs fixing, c-rational Yesterday #40
Also snot 20 hrs ago #116
Everything Trump touches...yada, yada, yada ToxMarz Yesterday #41
Another Trump disaster. A perfect metaphor for both of his administrations. ChicagoTeamster Yesterday #43
DJT Pays ! PhilG Yesterday #44
You broke it MustLoveBeagles 22 hrs ago #99
It was an Earl Scheib paint job. kentuck Yesterday #47
Fake News! You can't trust the media! Nothing to see here! It's AI! progressoid Yesterday #48
"Glly gosh-a-roonie! I guess we now need a $30 million no-bid contract!" struggle4progress Yesterday #50
Once again Dave Id Yesterday #51
Normal for Republicans, starving their "voters" dave99 23 hrs ago #90
Good. Botany Yesterday #52
It has always had an algae problem, and it has always leaked. Ocelot II 22 hrs ago #103
Apparently the pool's stones allowed for water to leach out of the bottom but President Jack Wagon and Botany 21 hrs ago #106
Ideas joho260 21 hrs ago #107
This message was self-deleted by its author Ghost of Tom Joad Yesterday #53
This and watching the Obama library opening Ghost of Tom Joad Yesterday #56
The difference between stupidity and intelligence dave99 23 hrs ago #89
I remember our Bicentennial. Everyone knew to call it Bicentennial ... aggiesal Yesterday #58
The icing on the cake, for me at least, would be to see one photo of chump Totally Tunsie Yesterday #61
When will he pour cement over it, Diamond_Dog Yesterday #62
A shame Just Jerome Yesterday #64
DUzy of the day! You owe me a new keyboard. maxrandb 22 hrs ago #96
Allegory Nasruddin Yesterday #65
I can't even find the words. WTAF is all I've got, right now. yellow dahlia Yesterday #66
"What's it all about, Algae?" rubbersole Yesterday #67
"What's it all about, Algae?" Brilliant! 3catwoman3 Yesterday #72
How about a different color of algae? JustABozoOnThisBus Yesterday #71
They'll probably get another $14 million to paint it again. SamuelAdams Yesterday #75
I can't stop laughing 😆 This is dumb, dumber, and dumbest. Polly Hennessey Yesterday #77
Kamala should be President MustLoveBeagles 22 hrs ago #100
"...has fixed the Reflecting Pool for good" Norrrm Yesterday #79
It's amazing that the clouds over Washington have not moved since the Obama administration. Blumancru 23 hrs ago #95
Heckuva coincidence, eh? Norrrm 22 hrs ago #98
It's called "Permanent Wearher".... electric_blue68 20 hrs ago #120
So the real question is, whose fault is this, Marie Marie 21 hrs ago #113
Trump's probably bored with fixing the pool anyway. Onto the $600 million ballroom! Jim__ Yesterday #80
I meant to post a prediction LPBBEAR Yesterday #82
He'll cover it with huge tarp with The Donald J Trump Not A Reflecting Pool Anymore written on it. Raftergirl 23 hrs ago #87
I just have to add: Grammy23 23 hrs ago #92
How about this... purr-rat beauty 23 hrs ago #93
Another fix for a non-problem Roy Rolling 22 hrs ago #102
The fact that they don't have a single person competent enough to have known this was exactly what was going to happen Karasu 22 hrs ago #104
That pool canetoad 21 hrs ago #105
Kick dalton99a 21 hrs ago #108
Everything trump touches turns to shit.💩 madinmaryland 21 hrs ago #109
Pure incompetence - on our tax dollars mcar 21 hrs ago #114
The Trump administration spent between $13.1 million and $14.7 million Monsieur_Grumpe 20 hrs ago #121
This made me smile LetMyPeopleVote 19 hrs ago #122
Not me. cab67 16 hrs ago #138
He could just throw a tarp over it so it can't be seen. 😂 nt Raine 19 hrs ago #123
Somehow this is Biden and Obama's fault. nt doc03 19 hrs ago #124
The color sucked anyhow. And who would go with a dark color in the heat?? Evolve Dammit 19 hrs ago #125
It'll be a total disaster within a few weeks Wednesdays 18 hrs ago #126
Standard Trump style workmanship Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin 18 hrs ago #128
How much did THIS bunglefuck cost the American taxpayers? Beartracks 18 hrs ago #130
Gee, you think maybe this was an extremely terrible idea to begin with? Initech 17 hrs ago #132
Is America great enough yet? IronLionZion 17 hrs ago #135
I doubt the peroxide is doing this. cab67 16 hrs ago #137
13 Mil well spent. n/t SpankMe 16 hrs ago #139
I think Trump and his grifting family and billionaires and one trillionaire friends should repay the US for all the CozyMystery 14 hrs ago #140
Blaming Obama, Biden or Antifa COL Mustard 13 hrs ago #144
And then... Xipe Totec 7 hrs ago #146
Might not be the peroxide Old Crank 7 hrs ago #148
Wait until the water fowl fertilizer hits home.... Historic NY 6 hrs ago #149
It's amazing how this project Danascot 5 hrs ago #152
Whole buncha stupid. louis-t 3 hrs ago #153

C Moon

(13,812 posts)
143. When I was in elementary school, I was sitting next to my best friend...
Fri Jun 19, 2026, 12:53 AM
13 hrs ago

He had a crush on a girl and she happened to be seated across from him (we had long lunch tables indoors—it was probably raining).

I had bought a lunch, and it was covered in plastic—which I was struggling to open.

My friend was sipping on his milk, side glancing me and my struggle with the packaging.
Out of frustration, I grabbed the plastic and bit into it to open it.

He burst out laughing and shot a mouthful of milk into the poor girl's face.

Whenever I see that gif above, it reminds me of that lunch.

Okay. I've said enough.

twodogsbarking

(19,736 posts)
74. If someone snorted twice my brother would say "that was a two snorter" then they would completely lose it.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:00 PM
Yesterday

He was a treasure. I miss him

MineralMan

(151,953 posts)
2. That's what you get when you hire those two guys in the beat-up pickup
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:04 AM
Yesterday

to seal your driveway. Yup.

underpants

(197,688 posts)
32. ...and at the last minute
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:21 PM
Yesterday

The board members he appointed stalled so they could award it no-bid to a company Trump said he used at one of his golf courses…..then had never heard of two days later.

Phillies3737

(11 posts)
115. Drain the damn swamp!
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 05:53 PM
20 hrs ago

I think that every American deserves a refund. Drain the freaking swamp!

gab13by13

(33,028 posts)
4. I don't know a lot about paint,
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:05 AM
Yesterday

but when I painted my concrete garage floor I had to treat it with muriatic acid to get the paint to stick.

How many million did they pay the people who painted the pool? Are we sure it was the peroxide that loosened the paint?

BlueWaveNeverEnd

(15,384 posts)
8. Ive never heard of painting a pool..you do a resurfacing of the pool material
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:08 AM
Yesterday

With color embedded in it.

Drain and spray on new cement mixture..

Kali

(56,969 posts)
133. there is paint made for pools
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 09:30 PM
17 hrs ago

it is a cheap fix that doesn't last very long, but it does exist

allegorical oracle

(6,670 posts)
129. The chunks of blue that are being held up look as if it's a latex paint put on
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 08:33 PM
18 hrs ago

in a really thick layer.

Kali

(56,969 posts)
134. there is a finish that is kind of a vinyl or other "plastic" that is installed with flame guns
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 09:33 PM
17 hrs ago

it is called aquabrite by ecofinish, but I don't think that is what they did in this case - seems to have been some shitty epoxy paint put on by grifters, hired by the grifter-in-chief

newdeal2

(5,642 posts)
6. He will close down the pool now for permanent renovations
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:07 AM
Yesterday

He only “solves” issues he creates.

newdeal2

(5,642 posts)
20. Then they better drain it and order a bunch of mirrors
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:29 AM
Yesterday

Maybe create an art installation or something.

popsdenver

(2,762 posts)
38. The "or something"
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:40 PM
Yesterday

Is installing bleachers, filling the pool with dirt, and making a semi-permanent, outdoor, Tractor Pull Venue..........

Quite likely a mini stadium, with retractable roof, so he can hold the events year round, .............

Anyone else, got any ideas how he could further desecrate the areas around the White House & Capitol??????

OMGWTF

(5,272 posts)
55. We need a tipped-over washing machine and a black Suburban SUV on blocks in the front yard.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:20 PM
Yesterday

state of stupid

(238 posts)
85. Throw in one more ring for the circus and have a demolition derby with Tesla cybertrucks versus monster trucks.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:39 PM
23 hrs ago

NHvet

(317 posts)
69. Keep the dirty water in it
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:51 PM
Yesterday

and do watercross with motorcycles in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. Loads of fun. Bud light for all!

MadameButterfly

(4,262 posts)
59. Desperation will make it worse
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:22 PM
Yesterday

Obama tried to fix it for many millions and it failed. The conclusion was it needed to be completely re-done for 300 million. Money that was never appropriated. I fear Trump trying to do it--he'll spend even more and will botch it. Because he won't hire experts, only his cronies.

Biophilic

(6,763 posts)
7. It seems everything he touches really does die. Even paint jobs.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:07 AM
Yesterday

I'm a bit concerned for my country. Are we strong enough to survive? I'm honestly not sure. Yes, I know it's not just trump, but he's the figure head. Screw all republicans. May they never have internal peace.

tanyev

(49,904 posts)
14. I know. I was hoping he'd destroy the Republican party first,
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:17 AM
Yesterday

alleviating some of the pressure on the country, but it’s feeling very touch and go.

malaise

(299,332 posts)
18. They are dumber than rocks
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:26 AM
Yesterday

How to Make the Paste
Mix the ingredients: Combine 3 parts baking soda with 1 part standard 3% hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl.Add soap: Stir in a small squirt (about 1 teaspoon) of liquid dish soap to help cut through tough grease.Check the consistency:
Apply the mixture: Spread the paste directly onto your tiles and grout lines using a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush.Scrub and let sit: Work the paste into the crevices using circular motions, then let it sit on the tiles for 10 to 15 minutes.Rinse thoroughly: Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge, then rinse the area well with clean water to prevent a baking soda haze.

Important TipsCaution for stone: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on natural stone tiles (like marble) or colored grout, as it can cause etching or fading.

malaise

(299,332 posts)
28. LOL
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:02 PM
Yesterday

By the way a firm broom is just as good as the toothbrush/scrubbing brush😀
I’m not getting that low.

calimary

(91,315 posts)
119. Hey, that's a TERRIFIC slogan for him!
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 06:13 PM
20 hrs ago

Except for the algae.

And the algae will eventually win.

allegorical oracle

(6,670 posts)
131. What in the world can he do to a billion $$ ballroom? Will it collapse or peel in
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 08:40 PM
17 hrs ago

the first rainstorm? He sure is a high-maintenance POTUS.

Attilatheblond

(9,437 posts)
127. Yep! I really want to know just how much he owed his 'pool guys' for work done at his clubs
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 07:53 PM
18 hrs ago

and did they sign off on his club invoices in exchange for this 'big government contract' ?

The Madcap

(2,133 posts)
12. Drain it, pave it over, cover it with mirrors...
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:14 AM
Yesterday

At least it would reflect...

Pilots would hate it, though. They'd go blind when flying over DC.

What a travesty.

Deuxcents

(28,114 posts)
16. One project and multiple problems. Hiring the right people who you vett and their expertise for a start
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:23 AM
Yesterday

A good and honest contractor would not have permitted a fleet of vehicles to parade around the pool because it was never constructed to be roadworthy. Definitely educate the consumer about the paint and colors that is needed for the desired effect. The detention pond where they stored the water is where the additives and cleaning could have been done during the time the project was in repair. For 14 million taxpayer dollars, the company should be responsible and now, accountable. If the complaint that the consumer (TSF) did not take advice or demanded it done his way, the company should have bowed out of the project.

Torchlight

(7,188 posts)
19. Halfway expecting Mr. trump will suggest filling it with ivermectin
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:27 AM
Yesterday

as a genius solution only he could think of to this new example of buffoonish, self-inflicted friendly-fire.

hlthe2b

(115,109 posts)
22. While amusing because it illustrates Trump's total incompetence & lies, I feel badly this
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:33 AM
Yesterday

National monument is so degraded and nearly destroyed. When I saw "the Beast" and all those attendant monster SUVs driving over it a few months ago, it was such a kick in the face. I do not know why there was not more outrage at that desecration. They could have at least driven near it and someone carted Trump's fat ass out there in a golf cart if necessary, but to drive over it? I'm still livid.

FakeNoose

(42,889 posts)
45. Yes, and also this: how do we know it's from the paint?
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:51 PM
Yesterday

Someone might have snuck in at night and thrown crumpled up sheets of blue plastic in there.

The National Mall workers would need to drain the pool again and determine whether the paint is actually detaching from the pool bottom. And why would it detach in sheets, if that is what's happening? Why isn't the paint just dissolving into small suspended particles and turning the water blue?

I'm not a paint professional, but neither were the people who did this half-assed job. Who told them to throw peroxide into the pool, and why did they think that would kill the algae?

We have questions....

Cirsium

(4,207 posts)
97. Typical
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 03:52 PM
22 hrs ago

Paint often loses adherence to the substrate and comes off in sheets. Improper preparation is the cause, and it has to be very badly done for that to happen. Fly-by-night used car dealers come to mind.

Texas_Blue_Dem

(7 posts)
81. Probably because of security reasons
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:29 PM
Yesterday

I'm betting it was the Secret Service that required the vehicles to be driven out onto the reflecting pool during the rehab work. Letting a president walk that far out in the open would be a serious breach of security.

hlthe2b

(115,109 posts)
86. He's out in the open frequently. Most recently on the lawn on the south side of the WH, but also
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:44 PM
23 hrs ago

at golf courses, his more infrequent, though still held rallies (Agricultural Agenda speech in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin)

Not only was it (the driving of a monstrosity of vehicles across the reflecting pool) an unannounced "pop-up" visit, but Trump did drop his window and interacted in the open with exposure and delivered an outdoor statement/field reporter questions.

If the open-air environment of the Mall was too inherently dangerous to set foot on, the Secret Service would never have permitted him to roll down his armored window to speak to an unvetted press pool in a wide-open basin.

The choice to drive the heavy SUV contingent directly across the nearly century-old basin was not forced by a sudden security threat. Trump specifically did it to conduct a close-up vehicle tour to inspect the new "American flag blue" industrial coating he ordered. Foot Traffic Was Feasible: Construction crews and park staff were actively walking the basin floor during the visit. A brief step-out onto the pavement would have fallen well within standard Secret Service protective capabilities, especially given the lack of an assembled public crowd.

So, I call bullshit on that argument/defense of Trump's devastating lack of respect for ANYTHING or ANYONE.

wnylib

(26,756 posts)
23. Floating blue chunks on a pool of green. How colorful.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:34 AM
Yesterday

Will he claim that it was intentional?

"Such a beautiful pool. Nobody has ever seen such a beautiful one like it."

ProfessorGAC

(77,606 posts)
24. I Think It's More Likely...
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:36 AM
Yesterday

...rhey used the wrong kind of paint and/or primer.
Super diluted peroxide shouldn't remove paint unless they was something wrong in the first place.
Given this is the gang that can't do anything right, I'm going with execution error.

underpants

(197,688 posts)
31. and wait until the last minute
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:19 PM
Yesterday

The board members he appointed stalled so they could award it no-bid to a company Trump used at one of his golf courses…..then had never heard of two days later.

The company is legit. They do work for Va. Dept of Transportation.
https://vaspray.com/aic/sites/index/#about

New Canton Va is a town so small you’d have to know where it is to say you’ve driven through it.

keep_left

(3,241 posts)
49. It's almost a certainty that a 2-part...
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:02 PM
Yesterday

…paint was used, and having used some of those coatings myself on the job, I can attest that there are quite stringent requirements for the prep and priming work. I’ll bet that for below-the-waterline applications, it’s even more the case.

As others have mentioned here already, this is looking like yet another Trump hack job.

FakeNoose

(42,889 posts)
76. Maybe a vandal is throwing crumpled sheets of blue plastic into the pool when nobody is looking?
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:11 PM
Yesterday

How do we even know it's paint that's floating in pool? It could be anything ... They need to investigate this.

keep_left

(3,241 posts)
84. Knowing Trump's reputation...
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:37 PM
Yesterday

…for shitty no-bid contracts and shoddy work, it seems likely that this is just a continuation of an ongoing disaster. The Trump regime is simply incapable of doing the job right the first time (or at any time).

The 2-part coatings that can last for decades require stringent protocols for prep work. The most likely explanation is that proper prep work and curing time specified by the manufacturer were not obeyed, the coating did not cure or adhere properly, and it’s now coming off in pieces.

HighFired49

(536 posts)
111. The Pool shouldn't have been painted at all according to this:
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 05:08 PM
21 hrs ago

The Idiot in Chief wanted to paint the Eisenhower Building white but, from the article: "WATCH: Trump's plan to paint Eisenhower building white could cost at least $7.5M, White House says" https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trumps-push-to-paint-eisenhower-building-white-reviewed-by-capitol-planning-commission

"But the proposal has alarmed preservationists, architects, historians and others who argue that granite is not meant to be painted and that paint would trap moisture and deteriorate the stone."

ProfessorGAC

(77,606 posts)
112. Makes Sense
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 05:13 PM
21 hrs ago

I think it would also be impossible to completely dry the surface of granite, so the coating would trap moisture underneath it.
On hotter days than the day it was coated, the vapor/liquid equilibrium would shift toward more vapor, hence more pressure.
The coating would spall if that happened.
Yes, it makes sense that granite shouldn't be painted.
I was not aware the reflecting pool was not concrete.

purr-rat beauty

(1,607 posts)
25. Cheap work doesn't come cheap!
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:52 AM
Yesterday

I've dealt with a few contractors who did shoddy work for a good dollar. Has eroded my trust of contractors.

There best be a review or investigation into the funding of this clusterfuck. I'm sure a couple million were skimmed off the top.

And maybe they should dunk trump in it all the way up to the greasy dustbunny on top of his head.

GoCubsGo

(35,065 posts)
70. The cheaper the labor, the bigger the kickback.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:54 PM
Yesterday

And, we all know goddamn well that the motherfucker was lining his pockets with part of those millions that just got wasted.

RedWhiteBlueIsRacist

(2,404 posts)
27. Maybe it's time for America to "REFLECT" on why it put that stupid son-of-bitch in the White House--twice!
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:01 PM
Yesterday

Remove him.

dave99

(430 posts)
73. 77,000,000+ people don't care
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:58 PM
Yesterday

they put that34 felony shitstain there.

makes one wonder where the other 160,000,000+ were ?

FalloutShelter

(14,721 posts)
88. I was in the antique restoration and repair business for 20 years
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:55 PM
23 hrs ago

Last edited Thu Jun 18, 2026, 04:22 PM - Edit history (1)

and while I did not work on pools or fountains, I did work on objects meant to hold water, as well as objects d'art.
I knew immediately that anyone with any experience at all with sealing and painting concrete would have turned this job down as too risky, and downright impossible.

The tiniest water molecule in the concrete trapped beneath the paint would be enough to begin corrupting the paint bond... now imagine the concrete is over 100years old. It is a sponge. Add HP and stir, and the recipe for disaster is complete.







Scruffy1

(3,558 posts)
142. The pool was completely redone during the Obama administration.
Fri Jun 19, 2026, 12:38 AM
14 hrs ago

They sank a whole lot of pilings to support the slab. You are right about noy touchjing this job with a ten foot pole, Poor soil,high water table and a rush job. Concrete always has cracks in it and they will convey water.

Ponietz

(4,570 posts)
34. They are expert ratfuckers. This seems intentional
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:28 PM
Yesterday

Probably because Bloaty wants to build there. Destroy it and devalue it first, then proceed with development plans..

sop

(19,763 posts)
35. Maybe Trump shouldn't have driven his presidential limo and motorcade across the freshly painted surface?
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:29 PM
Yesterday

progressoid

(53,504 posts)
46. Haven't we taxpayers paid for a bullet proof golf cart yet?
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:59 PM
Yesterday

That would only weigh maybe 10000 lbs,

Blumancru

(371 posts)
94. "The Beast weighs approximately 20,000 lbs.".
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 03:27 PM
23 hrs ago

Yes, and that’s not counting his limousine.

chowder66

(12,665 posts)
36. More images
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:31 PM
Yesterday

I see the American Flag blue paint is even trying to escape this algae infestation. The paint is actually lifting off of the bottom…👇

🔥FireInsp🔥🇺🇸🇺🇦🌮 (@fireinsp.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T16:20:00.167Z


In other Trump failure news, the million “repair” of the reflection pool gets more disastrous with each passing day.

On top of the algae issues, Trump’s “American flag blue” paint is now peeling away from the pool in large chunks, & floating to the surface.

Kikki Planet (@kikkiplanet.bsky.social) 2026-06-18T14:08:40.416Z


JoseBalow

(9,871 posts)
39. The success is measured by how much cash drumpf pocketed
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:42 PM
Yesterday

That was the whole point. He doesn't care about anything else.

c-rational

(3,233 posts)
40. A perfect metaphor for this administratioin. Take something whichi s fine, say it needs fixing,
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:44 PM
Yesterday

(especially if it was done by Obama) and then make it much worse after spending more thatn it shoudl have cost, and then just say it's grest.

snot

(11,912 posts)
116. Also
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 05:54 PM
20 hrs ago

w.r.t. the lack of reflection in general, plus orangeman's requirement that the world falsely mirror back to him "the greatest --- ever."

PhilG

(69 posts)
44. DJT Pays !
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 12:49 PM
Yesterday

I think we should all start writing our Representatives and Senators to DEMAND a bill that FORCES the Orange Menace to write a check from a personal account (no donor bullshit) to pay for the repairs & restoration of the pool to it original state. No ifs, ands or butts. And see to it that a competent professional company, selected by Congress is hired for the project. No Trump lackeys.

A no blaming Joe Biden either !

Note:
When he refuses, stop his paycheck to cover the costs

progressoid

(53,504 posts)
48. Fake News! You can't trust the media! Nothing to see here! It's AI!
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:01 PM
Yesterday

Lets talk about Hunter Biden or trans people



Botany

(78,160 posts)
52. Good.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:11 PM
Yesterday

Now close it down, drain it, remove all of that blue paint, expose the original (granite?) stone,
and open up some areas that the original designers and builders had that let some of the
water seep out underneath the pool and go down and join up with the ground water which
is not too far down and @ the same level as the tidal basin/Potomac river.

The reflecting pool was working just fine as it was before Trump fucked it up.

Ocelot II

(131,715 posts)
103. It has always had an algae problem, and it has always leaked.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 04:28 PM
22 hrs ago

Many repairs and improvements have been done ever since the thing was first completed in 1923. It was completely rebuilt between 2009 and 2012, and following a serious algae bloom shortly after it reopened, an ozone disinfectant system was installed. Additional work was done in 2016. Of course, all of this work occurred during the Obama administration, which no doubt motivated Trump to claim Obama had neglected it so of course he had to "improve" it. In fact, it didn't need to be repainted. It did need more work on the water supply and filtration system, which Trump did not address. No matter what anyone does with it, it will always be afflicted by periodic outbreaks of algae because the water is warm and still and regularly fertilized by duck and goose poo. Trump's repainting project, like so much of what Trump does, was superficial, done only for appearances. He wanted it to be blue, just like a swimming pool, instead of reflecting the actual sky. But also, typical Trump, he made the algae situation even worse with the dark blue paint, which made the water warmer and more algae-friendly.


Botany

(78,160 posts)
106. Apparently the pool's stones allowed for water to leach out of the bottom but President Jack Wagon and
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 04:49 PM
21 hrs ago

his Florida based pool company that got the 14 million dollar no bid contract to do Donny’s
paint it blue shit sealed it all up so the water no longer went under the pool and down a couple
of feet into the ground water as it was designed to do. So you got warmer water that was low
in O2 and algal blooms.

joho260

(58 posts)
107. Ideas
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 04:56 PM
21 hrs ago

Maybe Congress could change the flag to the red, white and green. Green could stand for money - what could be more American. But no; that would please the environmental types plus that’s the colors of the Iranian flag! They might get RFK Jr to promote the algae as a super health remedy; after all, he and the Donald are experts on pond scum. The Trump kids could bottle it and sell it to the MAGA dupes for 250 Trump coins each. Mo’ money, mo' money!

Response to riversedge (Original post)

aggiesal

(10,985 posts)
58. I remember our Bicentennial. Everyone knew to call it Bicentennial ...
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:22 PM
Yesterday

I have no idea what to call our 250th Birthday celebration.
This was supposed to be beautiful for the 4th of July.

I guess this is what happens when we have Mierda47, who thinks he knows everything & goes outside government regulations and experts.

Everything Mierda47 touches, turns to $h1t.

Totally Tunsie

(12,215 posts)
61. The icing on the cake, for me at least, would be to see one photo of chump
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:23 PM
Yesterday

standing at the edge and staring bleakly into the Pool with a "holy s**t" look on his face, fully realizing that he totally f****d up yet again. It's almost a metaphor for the GOP reception of his Iran deal after thinking he had done so well. He ain't the stable genius he thinks he is.

Diamond_Dog

(41,429 posts)
62. When will he pour cement over it,
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:23 PM
Yesterday

set up a bunch of cheap umbrella tables, and call it The Reflecting Pool Club.

Nasruddin

(1,310 posts)
65. Allegory
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:27 PM
Yesterday

This is an allegory of this hopeless regime (as if we needed one).

Can we survive another 2 years of these morons? They have to go.

rubbersole

(11,328 posts)
67. "What's it all about, Algae?"
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:43 PM
Yesterday

Rocky Mountain Mike has a parody song with this title played on the Stephanie Miller Show this morning. Hilarious. I couldn't find it on his YouTube page. Probably not posted yet.

3catwoman3

(30,070 posts)
72. "What's it all about, Algae?" Brilliant!
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:56 PM
Yesterday

I haven't heard it yet, but I'm sure it deliciously wicked. Rocky Mountain Mike is very good at what he does.

JustABozoOnThisBus

(24,769 posts)
71. How about a different color of algae?
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 01:54 PM
Yesterday

Isn't there some nice blue algae they could dump in there? Much more pleasant-looking than that green stuff.



Except that the blue algae can harm any dogs that choose to take a swim.

Polly Hennessey

(9,042 posts)
77. I can't stop laughing 😆 This is dumb, dumber, and dumbest.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:14 PM
Yesterday

This is the guy who is leading the most powerful country on Earth? By the time he is finished with us no one will be able to find us on a map. And still you tell me seventy-seven million people voted for him. This will be one for the history books. You can find it in the Chapter on “What were they thinking.”

Norrrm

(5,987 posts)
79. "...has fixed the Reflecting Pool for good"
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:24 PM
Yesterday

“President Donald J. Trump is an expert builder who has fixed the Reflecting Pool for good unlike the failed and extremely costly attempt by Obama and Biden,” she added.
"for good"

https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/10/politics/algae-reflecting-pool-trump

Wouldn't an 'expert builder' know to clean out stagnant pipes before use?
Wouldn't an 'expert builder' know not to use a color that encourages algae growth?

Trump blames Obana who was before Trump, not after.

Blumancru

(371 posts)
95. It's amazing that the clouds over Washington have not moved since the Obama administration.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 03:37 PM
23 hrs ago

Marie Marie

(11,630 posts)
113. So the real question is, whose fault is this,
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 05:21 PM
21 hrs ago

Obama or Biden? And 2nd question, what nasty insult will he call the reporter who questions him about this latest failure of Mr I Alone Can Fix it

LPBBEAR

(692 posts)
82. I meant to post a prediction
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:31 PM
Yesterday

that this was going to happen a few days back. I typed up the post and forgot to finalize it.

Basically what I said was that the combination of dark paint and hot Sun was going to raise temps of the water which would lead to adhesion failure of the paint and that we would see flecks of toxic paint floating around in the pool along with the green algae.

The only thing left that would complete the picture of green algae, murky water, and floating paint flecks would be if someone pushed an old wrecked car into the pool.

I think we used to fish there when I was a kid in Montana.

Raftergirl

(1,893 posts)
87. He'll cover it with huge tarp with The Donald J Trump Not A Reflecting Pool Anymore written on it.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 02:54 PM
23 hrs ago

Grammy23

(6,138 posts)
92. I just have to add:
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 03:03 PM
23 hrs ago

We have all had a good time finding new ways to joke and ridicule the Orange Menace.

However, the practical side of me finds this whole debacle to be representative of tRump’s administration, It has been, thus far, costly, unfairly selected contractors, sloppily done and almost 100% ineffective at fixing a single thing. It really makes me angry and sad to think of better ways that money could have been used to improve the lives of everyday Americans. We the taxpayers and citizens of this land deserve so much better.

I think our attempts at humor at all of this are a way to try to preserve our sanity and muddle through this horror show of mismanagement, grift and despair that we are enduring until the people doing this to us can be removed. Hasten the day that happens, please!

purr-rat beauty

(1,607 posts)
93. How about this...
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 03:15 PM
23 hrs ago

No more Vanity projects for Butter Chunks

It's looking painfully like purposeful Fraud Waste and Abuse with spite sprinkled all over it. Can we please just have a mature adult lead us??

And Mother Nature.....if you're listening

Roy Rolling

(7,743 posts)
102. Another fix for a non-problem
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 04:19 PM
22 hrs ago

Painting over a problem is never the solution, unless you’re a complete moron.

But worse, somebody took $13 million for this unprofessional work.

Sadly, I paid for this jackleg contractor friend of the occupant with my tax dollars.

Karasu

(2,278 posts)
104. The fact that they don't have a single person competent enough to have known this was exactly what was going to happen
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 04:32 PM
22 hrs ago

tells you everything.

There isn't a basic understanding of how anything fucking works among these fascist idiots.

Monsieur_Grumpe

(190 posts)
121. The Trump administration spent between $13.1 million and $14.7 million
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 06:22 PM
20 hrs ago

to repair and repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

cab67

(3,893 posts)
138. Not me.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 10:18 PM
16 hrs ago

I think this is incredibly sad. An incompetent cheapskate has defaced something that belongs to all of us.

It'll be corrected, but not in the near term.

Wednesdays

(23,400 posts)
126. It'll be a total disaster within a few weeks
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 07:39 PM
18 hrs ago

If you think it's bad now, by the end of the summer it'll be a total sludge swamp.

The few gallons of peroxide they're dumping in now will do little to stem that fiasco.

cab67

(3,893 posts)
137. I doubt the peroxide is doing this.
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 10:15 PM
16 hrs ago

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen fairly quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light. This is why it's always sold in opaque bottles.

CozyMystery

(770 posts)
140. I think Trump and his grifting family and billionaires and one trillionaire friends should repay the US for all the
Thu Jun 18, 2026, 11:52 PM
14 hrs ago

money that has been wasted and frivolously spent -- $300 billion plus. Every one of their assets should revert to the people of the US.

Then they ought to be seriously investigated (after repayment) for all the crimes they have committed since Trump took office.

Then they should all rot in a federal prison. True, it would be super bad for their mental health if they were in a SuperMax, and it could shorten their lives if they were in a regular old high security prison with run of the mill really bad criminals, but I don't care.

Besides the major players, the minor ones should go down, too. They can all be examples of the bad things that can happen to anyone who aids in demolishing the democracy in which we live.

Old Crank

(7,414 posts)
148. Might not be the peroxide
Fri Jun 19, 2026, 07:32 AM
7 hrs ago

There is a distinct possiblity that the concrete tehy painted over wasn't compleatly dry. And more ground water came up through it lifting their fancy paint off.

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