An independent review by The Washington Post determined that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's liner damage likely resulted from faulty installation rather than vandalism. Photographs and satellite imagery showed tears in at least seven seam locations and exposed concrete in places. Rhino Linings, the no-bid contractor, has faced prior lawsuits over inadequate liners; Sika said it declined the job because of unworkable demands. The White House continues to attribute the damage to vandals despite the Post's findings.
Independent Analysis: Faulty Installation — Not Vandalism — Likely Caused Reflecting Pool Damage
Trump’s Handpicked Company Screwed Up Reflecting Pool Reno From Start
An independent review by The Washington Post concludes that the extensive peeling and gashes in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner were most likely caused by improper installation rather than vandalism. Reporters examined photographs, satellite images and consulted construction experts to reach this finding.
The Post found tears in at least seven locations "along seams that were created when the material was applied in large rectangular sections," with patches of lining peeling in irregular shapes along those seams. Reporters were unable to access the pool's center during a June 25 visit, but documented pieces of liner sloughing from a few inches up to six feet, and in some places the bare concrete was clearly visible.
Rhino Linings — a firm best known for truck-bed coatings that received the contract without a competitive bid — has been named in several lawsuits since 2021 alleging its liners were deficient and responsible for hundreds of leaks. The company that did the last renovation in 2010, New Jersey–based Sika Corporation, reportedly declined this job after employees said Trump-era demands made the project "unfeasible," including instructions to paint the pool "American flag blue" and to finish by July 4.
"Unfortunately, deranged individuals made several gashes in the side of the pool and destroyed over 300 feet of the pool's siding," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told The Washington Post. "Once the necessary repairs to fix the vandalism are complete, the Reflecting Pool will be restored to all its glory."
Despite the Post's independent analysis, White House officials and President Donald Trump have publicly attributed the damage to vandals. By late June, at least seven people had been arrested in connection with alleged damage to the pool, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn. The White House has not publicly produced conclusive evidence to substantiate the vandalism claim.
The dispute highlights broader questions about the no-bid contract, project oversight and project specifications. Independent experts say the pattern of tears along installed seams is consistent with improper application or material failure, not targeted cutting or sabotage. The controversy has drawn public scrutiny over the renovation's cost — reported at $16 million — and whether procurement and quality controls were adequate.
Help us improve.
