The familiar blue of Washington DC’s Reflecting Pool has gone green. New paint is peeling and algae is rising, sparking a viral debate that began when former Olympic slalom canoeist Davey Hearn—age 67—was arrested for touching a strip of the new paint.
Hearn told reporters he only placed his hand on a rubbery edge after a park worker advised him to stop. He maintains the paint was already peeling and that his brief touch did not damage it. After the encounter, he was handcuffed, detained for about five hours and denied a phone call.
Park Police say the incident was part of a broader renovation overhaul—$13 million spent on sealing and painting the 2,030‑ft stretch that links the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. The project has faced criticism because leaks, algae, and paint problems are still visible.
Trump’s Truth Social posts claimed multiple vandals had damaged the pool, adding that no‑bid contractors performed the work and that the overhaul would “stay clean.” He also noted he chose “American Flag Blue” for the pool’s finish.
Social media users share videos of the pool’s green water, photos of peeling paint, and screenshots of Hearn’s arrest footage. Many argue the response was an over‑reach, pointing to similar incidents involving the same paint in other parts of the battlefield.
While Hearn calls the arrest “arbitrary,” critics claim it illustrates how high‑profile incidents can be politicised. The next step depends on whether further investigations will clear the cyclist or add charges, and whether the pool’s renovation will finally yield a smooth, algae‑free surface for future visitors.
