President Donald Trump's attempt to restore the Lined Pool, a iconic feature of Washington, has been marked by failure, legal challenges, and allegations of mismanagement. The project, which began in April 2026, was initially blamed on vandalism but later attributed to a botched installation by contractors. The pool, which holds approximately 4 million gallons of water, was previously renovated in 2012 at a cost of $34 million.

Despite the initial $1.5 million to $2 million budget, costs have since escalated to $14 million to $16 million. The project faced legal challenges from non-profits concerned about historic preservation, with the administration dismissing the case against Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of sabotage. Trump has consistently blamed vandals, while the government acknowledged the installation flaws.

The pool remains unfinished, with ongoing maintenance efforts and political fallout. The saga continues as Trump prepares for the America 250 celebrations in May 2026.