The Reflecting Pool Saga Thread

[Blake]

2068742817246060957

[Winehole23]

Trump's kooky, threadbare confabulation of terroristic reflecting pool sabotage will be the party line but it's just pitiful and sad.

[Winehole23]

distraction from Trump's epochal loss to Iran, tbh

[Winehole23]

RIP, freedom of navigation

[ChumpDumper]

distraction from Trump's epochal loss to Iran, tbh

True, but he can't even beat algae.

[Winehole23]

the stink of the loser is on him

[Winehole23]

dude screws up everything he touches

[Winehole23]

I don’t get why no one bothers to point out that micromanaging renovations of the reflecting pool aren’t even remotely the job of the president. Everyone seems to be cool that this is is primary policy focus.

[Winehole23]

if the president knows the name of the pool guy, something has gone catastrophically wrong

[Winehole23]

i am very torn because i find this obviously absurd and funny but also like... extremely distressing that the president is basically fully delusional and concentrating on winning a battle against phantom algae maquis despite global energy markets still staring down catastrophe (also caused by him)

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zfgpnutph56hucusixgullra/bafkreibanatn67lgn4m4e6vqflmizc6kqybc5inxddxw6wkkw mbp7xxojy

[Winehole23]

really perseverating on the pool


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7r477jd7q7p2mzmyqfm7jmp7/bafkreieepm32lkdbc3ae66qjfvtpjze3i2mt2zohokko4zqcy krwaajikm

[Winehole23]

lol "it was rarely open"

[Winehole23]

2052540371394081155

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:h7qtoo7nxqxarrsijohjhbw4/bafkreic4or4afap4ey4f273dw2ivzqvswveija3zao62foce2 yagv2se24

[Winehole23]

The administration has provided few details to support allegations of vandalism at the pool, which developed algae blooms and visible lining tears days after reopening.www.wsj.com/politics/pol...

[Winehole23]

Near one of the drains, an older couple, maybe in their sixties, picked through the grass nearby for loose pieces of blue paint, having first checked with the Park Police that doing so was permissible.

The officers explained that visitors were allowed to put their hands in the water. They could even take paint chips that were already detached. But peeling the paint still attached to the pool was forbidden.

The administration said (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/least-five-people-arrested-allegedly-tampering-reflecting-pool-officia-rcna351154) Monday that Park Police have made five arrests and issued five citations for alleged vandalism. But an officer on the scene Friday evening said that they had also detained more than 20 people, in many cases without further action, for suspected pool tampering.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/06/trump-algae-reflecting-pool-lincoln-memorial-paint-chips-repair/

[CosmicCowboy]

His limo "the beast" weighs almost 16,000 pounds. Bet that was really good for that newly sprayed finish.

[Blake]

The discovery of a trio of dead ducks has prompted worries that President Donald Trump’s $16 million overhaul of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has a fatal flaw.

A local wildlife organization collected two deceased ducks, found at a pond adjacent to the pool Sunday. The same day, a Washington Examiner journalist documented another dead adolescent duck floating in shadow of the Lincoln Memorial. The presence of deceased waterfowl has sparked speculation of toxic algae, sometimes known as blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, in the lime-green gunk that swiftly proliferated after the Trump administration installed a commercial pool liner earlier last month.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/23/dead-ducks-trump-reflecting-pool-00972529

[Blake]

2069241621275656660

Lol. They try so hard for him.

[Winehole23]

lol

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:y55jxy33u5y7xmyjgktqdqqk/bafkreibbo5dnb4wwezplk74x4fftnkqhkhxjff4ot4bvfhm23 onzxbu6ye

[ChumpDumper]

:lmao I swear to god they are considering the feasibility of installing mirrors over the pool.

Is there a Kalshi bet on this?

[Blake]

lol

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:y55jxy33u5y7xmyjgktqdqqk/bafkreibbo5dnb4wwezplk74x4fftnkqhkhxjff4ot4bvfhm23 onzxbu6ye


Incoming border wall to protect the reflecting pool

Almost there...

[Winehole23]

Trump is full of it


Govt documents obtained by The NYT show that after the Reflecting Pool had been drained, resealed and refilled, by June 5, Park Service workers had found holes, cracks and peeling caulking in the pool, along with cuts in the foam www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/u... (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/us/trump-reflecting-pool-green-peeling.html)

[ChumpDumper]

Has anyone ever used Rhin:lol Lining like this?

[Winehole23]

Almost there...cope cage

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:flkld6ot3qnpckjqkvvtzvfh/bafkreifvgtcehofu4qljuw6wgraerd7zyrfwgteqwbpeiwhpv c75fcgsim


final verdict: minimal fences, no tarps, actually somewhat decent reflection, another DC myth busted lol
https://bsky.app/profile/musicologyduck.bsky.social/post/3moywbcjuz22h

[Blake]

Has anyone ever used Rhin:lol Lining like this?

Taj Mahal pool maybe?

[CosmicCowboy]

Taj Mahal pool maybe?

I have had rhino liner in trucks and a razor slit would be just that...a slit. There was no way that shit would peel off.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm going to assume the company run by Paul Bearer didn't follow all the instructions to even give the pipe lining a chance to stick to granite and concrete underwater in full sunlight.

[Blake]

That's the great thing about Trump government contracts. Fuck it all up the first time and get more money to fix your fuck up.

[CosmicCowboy]

For your 4th of July celebration..a drink honoring Trumps reflecting pool. Line your glass with a blue fruit rollup. add two ounces of tequila, 4 ounces of lemonade, a das of lime zest.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSF7HG04AM311v6d73WHPJRt0KdkXWMo Mh3Df-JuxhsNA&s=10

[Blake]

Add a twist of dead duck

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cvvsbx6s52y3jpvjvxiinknv/bafkreidcrhngvyhosyythvzesieg43r3vznlvxj7t554r35zr peoqyovcu

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eivqo2tskdfn4dbrm3dv2mku/bafkreia7ktxdfuatc2jtchgaxjdang35ykpexxmyv4jwhqg6t kivyzz4fq

[Blake]

2073786537636925935

[Winehole23]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HNIl8TDbEAE2Z8M?format=jpg&name=small

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HNHn2DfXkAAnoc5?format=jpg&name=900x900


What appear to be tire tracks have become visible on the floor of the Lincoln Memorial (https://www.newsweek.com/topic/lincoln-memorial) Reflecting Pool after the landmark was drained for a second round of repairs, adding another point of intrigue to the Trump administration's troubled renovation project.


As the pool is drained once again for repairs, photographs appear to show a series of parallel marks stretching across sections of the exposed pool floor.
https://www.newsweek.com/can-tire-tracks-be-seen-on-bottom-of-lincoln-reflecting-pool-12192582

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uguoztcfp3mu2apb47alikku/bafkreibilzhqjqw2b2ayu2vtliiw2uqgap2lhyg65nrptrl2p ymr6fldru

[Blake]

ROFL

[Blake]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HNIl8TDbEAE2Z8M?format=jpg&name=small

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HNHn2DfXkAAnoc5?format=jpg&name=900x900

https://www.newsweek.com/can-tire-tracks-be-seen-on-bottom-of-lincoln-reflecting-pool-12192582

2068803342080327930

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:t6bo2l3m2c7r2mwhlqbw3fid/bafkreidrgrcw77mpsq6fazkqwhiado46ba4pl5nuxvxtikatm dl4tqfkam

[Winehole23]

Pirro's felony destruction of government property case against Davey Hearn is already falling apart

Official oppression and deprivation of rights under color of law are symptoms of a faithless government


The witness said the cost to repair the pool would have been $6,000 to $15,000, based on pre-existing damage in the area.

“Simply put, the government’s witness could not identify any additional cost caused by Mr. Hearn’s alleged conduct. Indeed, the witness did not even say or suggest that the alleged conduct had compromised the liner at all,” they wrote.

The witness testimony also raised questions about whether the grand jury was properly instructed about the core elements of the alleged crime, which “bears directly on whether the felony indictment was lawfully returned,” Hearn’s attorneys wrote.

“The Government’s only witness on that element testified that the property was already deteriorated, that the identified repairs would have been needed even without Mr. Hearn’s alleged conduct, and that he could not quantify any loss caused by that conduct,” they wrote. “Consequently, the grand jury’s indictment of Mr. Hearn is hard to explain. Mr. Hearn needs to learn whether the grand jury was properly instructed that the charge required him to have caused over $1,000 in damages, when the testimony failed to establish that he caused any damage at all. So does this Court.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/reflecting-pool-case-witness-conceded-damage-olympic-canoeist-davey-he-rcna589510

[Blake]

Pirro's felony destruction of government property case against Davey Hearn is already falling apart

Official oppression and deprivation of rights under color of law are symptoms of a faithless government

[COLOR=#2A2A2A][FONT=PublicoText]https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/reflecting-pool-case-witness-conceded-damage-olympic-canoeist-davey-he-rcna589510

Driving over the pool in a limo perfectly fine though

[Winehole23]

Driving over the pool in a limo perfectly fine thoughinstallation was botched before that, reportedly

[Winehole23]

destruction of property cases consolidated


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:bkmfse64kqf3yjoqdcs65qto/bafkreihpyakxxz7urva6ozowguzy2c26p6fsnclx3gegxav5m 3s7hkuqcy

[Blake]

destruction of property cases consolidated

What a pain in the ass for all involved when we all know the end result...

[Winehole23]

What a pain in the ass for all involved when we all know the end result...it's pure official oppression

[Winehole23]

hahahahahahaha


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:e4tqkvdjxqapupkv6rnb6agp/bafkreicqh4xeqb6h5uuz4svpww5pszoyefnq5gevsrh7h7upi e2nvge7oa

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:x4g4laxkmsrczwvnvbbgsm7g/bafkreie23cof3kcrmrenwik4f22mjznyr7xdwc57q77jpvyil bqj6cemay

[Winehole23]

The Department of Interior “provided less than fulsome information at the outset of this case,” according to the filing from Pirro’s office. It was not until after the indictment was filed that the federal agent determined that the “damage was the result of a botched installation and not vandalism,” the filing states.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-davey-hearn-reflecting-pool-charges-dropped-b3025664.html

[Winehole23]

“The Trump administration's case against Davey Hearn should have never been brought,” according to a statement to The Independent from Hearn’s counsel Norm Eisen of Democracy Defenders Fund, Mary Dohrmann of the Washington Litigation Group and Steve Levin of Steptoe LLP.


“Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The government’s approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr. Hearn an apology,” they said.

[Winehole23]

quite the walkback


Pirro had previously lambasted Hearn (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-reflecting-pool-arrest-felony-b3007867.html)in a press conference on July 2, claiming he “woefully destroyed property” in a “deliberate act” to damage the monument by “forcefully and violently” pulling the pool’s lining.

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:wovz3whdkughp6decczypkqq/bafkreiguzurjjwvxieaktx2v7vb4kgj6uue2wzrul5dgdvdkd ttcwpkyzyhttps://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28528040-doj-admits-reflecting-pool-case-doesnt-hold-water/

[Winehole23]

at the end of the day, Trump's no-bid contractor botched the job

[Winehole23]

They lost Scott Jennings on this one



https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIF.as3rBvdEF7NO5jtPRRvd4Q?w=330&h=175&c=7&r=0&o=7&dpr=1.5&pid=1.7&rm=3


https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!IbFa!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_pro gressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F48a9937 4-7346-4a75-9d0a-e122af119838_1344x706.png

[Winehole23]

Trump and Burgum are sticking with their bullshit




https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5gy3v7opwo3bfoa7dojkfhvp/bafkreidyazoz2vklmd2cgmzv3gv7pdwo3ditm6ggyzm24stcj la75bf244

[Winehole23]

Pirro broke omerta, contradicted Trump and basically accused DOI of covering up exculpatory evidence, so it makes sense Burgum doubled down

Burgum will be rewarded for sticking to lies and Pirro probably gets fired for putting professional integrity ahead of loyalty to Trump just before the crucial moment the lies would have had to have been defended in court

[Winehole23]

Trump is hopping mad, but Pirro just saved him the embarrassment of four not-guilty verdicts


Prosecutors in Washington are dropping charges against three more defendants who had been accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The motions to dismiss the three misdemeanor cases coincide with the decision last week to drop the most serious of the cases, the felony prosecution of a former Olympian who prosecutors had accused of damaging the pool.


The U.S. attorney, Jeanine Pirro, abruptly abandoned the four cases after investigators concluded that botched work by a contractor, not vandalism, was the primary cause of “widespread damage” to the pool’s new blue lining.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/03/us/reflecting-pool-charges.html

[Blake]

hahahahahahaha

NO NO, THE VANDALS WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF POOL LATE AT NIGHT WE HAVE EVIDENCE THAT WE DON'T WANT TO SHARE

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6m7rbdgaz5vyg4bnbefi7kh6/bafkreiggnc3n5wta6b4njqo7bch6ao27sn7ypqivrv3ptnqed czqd2avfi

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:izxpomdyri45gzhppiiyattq/bafkreigtuo5ouxfdqytcsh53fvabbukm6tsaexcn4mpohjayw hajicnzwy

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4u42vwglz35baspkeivbgw3n/bafkreic5u62fuzrdo722meuqnwjjxedgrrthp3mh6i36wehyp xndhcspo4

[Blake]

What a moron

[Winehole23]

political interference noted, dismissal with prejudice sought


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:vrmx2e5gsi23srsy2n7vljvb/bafkreidpnog7jjcnkrjl3bgmubs7bfevwxnadedfa3sayfmo2 tfxfsqfi4

Pirro lied about Interior keeping her in the dark


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:vrmx2e5gsi23srsy2n7vljvb/bafkreiaor2yrg4i2ej7lwnvwzerx5esxthexvsi76qrvrbemn 35se2527ahttps://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28537089-response/

[Winehole23]

Federal judge blocks dismissal without prejudice

Judge is about to call bullshit on Jeanine Pirro and the DOJ



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:sdfhzkjavqo5ifiofn4uafrb/bafkreihmpfq7n4dbdcp2rvkdvc7zvtclm5lmor5coqkdoafhz jzkmafcwm
https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:sdfhzkjavqo5ifiofn4uafrb/bafkreiekpxylzsluvcjec7toq4y6bbxjgmvqbs2ziiznwfqtk ajoxpbffe

[Winehole23]

(finger in the wind, Pirro caves to dismissal with prejudice so that DOJ doesn't have to reveal the grand jury transcripts)

[Winehole23]

all these DOJ fuckers should go to prison for rampant lawlessness

[Winehole23]

(finger in the wind, Pirro caves to dismissal with prejudice so that DOJ doesn't have to reveal the grand jury transcripts)...but it might not work

DOJ has forfeit the presumption of regularity

The incompetence and political corruption of DOJ have become plain to US District Courts

[Blake]

all these DOJ fuckers should go to prison for rampant lawlessness

I'd be fine with them getting slapped with large civil suit judgements against each of them individually.

[Winehole23]

I'd be fine with them getting slapped with large civil suit judgements against each of them individually.I think you might underestimate the popular vibe for revenge-- it's proportionate to the intended insult to the law and the USA

[Winehole23]

Trump has trampled the people and the law

There will be consequences for that

The more Trump doubles down, the worse the consequences

[Winehole23]

Railroading a guy who touched peeling paint from a botched repair for vandalizing a public monument is pure official oppression and bullshit

[Blake]

Trump has trampled the people and the law

There will be consequences for that

The more Trump doubles down, the worse the consequences

What was his punishment for being a convicted felon?

I hope you're right but skeptical

[Winehole23]

Trump's hysterical attempts to shield his shitty contractors and blame nonexistent vandals has mostly underscored their venality and ineptness in addition to his own ridiculousness


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:urqzjksuzdoi6fadsn5laiua/bafkreicv7ouywloqgrvkmztvd6hjjpv6mnn3k746u5llrw7bv 3d65kdqaihttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/olympic-canoeist-charged-pirro-seeks-permanently-sink-reflecting-pool-rcna590804

[Winehole23]

yet another Trump temper tantrum


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zk2l6qutjc5ofipd6y27b5um/bafkreidrxxt2rxouimyvvricqvxoi2u3jmgqglpentbjwknai fzf265z7a

[ChumpDumper]

Dude needs to surrender on this front too.

[Blake]

I hope he doesn't

[Winehole23]

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-4/section-3/clause-2/property-clause

[Winehole23]

:lmao

Trump's mojo is swirling down the drain


Trump White House officials have asked the Trump Justice Department to consider a new prosecution of David Hearn, the man accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool — as Trump fumes over U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's decision to drop the case.https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/white-house-asks-justice-department-to-consider-new-reflecting-pool-prosecution-1bbf8d8b

[Winehole23]

Dude needs to surrender on this front too.he didn't

:lmao

[Winehole23]

Presidentially directed prosecution may not necessarily be to Trump's advantage in this situation

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:l6arnocvhn2zrll2gn6xlxn2/bafkreia5klpxl7aq4ird5pns6jufokh3z74u4pnneaptxypxk 33qmqymyq

[Winehole23]

reflecting pool was supposed to be open by July 4

what's the holdup?

:lol

[Winehole23]

DOJ couldn't get a grand jury indictment -- not enough evidence

And blamed it on Trump's contractors

:lol

[Winehole23]

Contracting boondoggle -- ~$16M spent, and it's still fucked up

[Winehole23]

contractor fesses up

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:w5yh7otnpp6k4n77hhfs5km7/bafkreibg2waqtrktwie3pa5dzoe45fyfti2n233vqqcnwyyek aysgiwske


The contractor hired to renovate the Reflecting Pool says its repair work caused the pool's liner to peel and bubble, according to documents first reviewed by The New York Times.https://www.axios.com/2026/09/11/trump-reflecting-pool-contractor-repairs

[Winehole23]

I know it isn't very much in the grand scheme of *waves at everything,* but Trump trying to cover the embarrassment of screwing up the reflecting pool repair by ordering Jeanine Pirro to railroad an innocent rando...is impeachable, it's a gross abuse of power

[Blake]

Wow it just gets worse by the second.

[Winehole23]

Trump thinks the NYT is biased for not reporting on vandalism (*checks notes*) the DOJ couldn't find any evidence for


According to the newspaper, contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings found that workers failed to apply sufficient primer in some areas and used chemically incompatible layers in the liner, contributing to bubbling, peeling and other damage to the newly renovated pool.


According to the Times report, the contractor said the pool’s new blue liner peeled and tore due to “human oversight” and a flawed plan that used two incompatible chemicals, as per government documents reviewed by the outlet.


The report states that the chemical on top reached a temperature hotter than the compound underneath could withstand, and the heat caused the bottom layer to blister and come loose.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/trump-hits-back-at-new-york-times-over-reflecting-pool-story-on-9-11/ar-AA2c7E4G

[Winehole23]

charges should also be dismissed for the other randos Trump/Pirro tried to railroad


A judge has dismissed with prejudice the government's vandalism charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn. That means federal prosecutors cannot refile them in the future, despite President Trump's public demands to do so.


In fact, as D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman explained in a 26-page ruling (https://www.democracydefendersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/100126_DDF-Order-Davey-Hearn.pdf) released Thursday, the case should be permanently closed in large part because of the "political pressure brought by the President of the United States upon his subordinate officers."



"While the prosecutors admit that the evidence indicates that he committed no crime, the President's statements create a risk that Mr. Hearn will be prosecuted nonetheless, either because the current United States Attorney and her assistants will eventually yield to his public pressure campaign or because the President will replace them with prosecutors more likely to carry out his wishes,"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/01/nx-s1-5987947/reflecting-pool-vandalism-hearn-charges-dismissed

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eoss3vmzem55cm5kuddhdmwn/bafkreibuur2mtyvjyai4p4j6zcx2kagivnr3nd2bzsooxuqrz acv7ttv6ahttps://www.democracydefendersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/100126_DDF-Order-Davey-Hearn.pdf