Trump’s Reflecting Pool liner failed in a whopping 85 places, inspection finds

A blue coating laid on the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool failed in at least 85 places because workers refilled the pool before it had cured, according to a contractor-commissioned inspection obtained by The Washington Post. The 75-page analysis by Atlantic Coating Inspection says nothing about vandalism, despite President Donald Trump's continuing claims, and instead points to a rush to finish by the July 4 anniversary celebration. It found buckling at eight of ten expansion joints, blisters in nearly 40 spots from trapped moisture or fumes, and nearly two dozen areas of peeling, according to The Independent.

Spending has climbed to nearly $20 million, versus the president's early estimate of $1. 5 million. A no-bid contract went to Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC, which received further awards in May and June. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in July that no new contracts would be sought, yet the National Park Service later gave American Ag Energy Inc. nearly $2. 7 million and Green Water Solutions $1. 8 million.

U. S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropped her case against David Hearn, a former Olympian she had accused of ripping out the liner, after Interior determined the damage stemmed from poor installation.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →