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Donald Trump

Aerial photo shows green Reflecting Pool, damaged South Lawn, more

June 17, 2026Updated June 18, 2026, 9:31 a.m. ET

An aerial photo taken by a passenger of a commercial plane descending into Washington, DC, this week captured several ongoing renovations across the city.

The photo taken June 16, shows the algae-ridden Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the damaged White House South Lawn following the UFC Freedom 250 fight and a covering on the National Mall, where someone wrote "8647." The latter triggered an investigation from the U.S. Park Police.

Water in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (thin strip, center left from WWII Memorial) is hard to distinguish from surrounding grass as seen from a departing flight from Ronald Reagan National Airport as algae continues to bloom following the completion of recent renovations on June 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.

The Department of the Interior completed work on the Reflecting Pool earlier this month. However, the renovations have left the pool algae-green, significantly less desirable than the "American Flag Blue" color chosen by President Donald Trump ahead of the country's 250th anniversary.

USA TODAY breaks down aerial photo

Watch the video above for a breakdown on everything happening around the White House on June 16.

Green Reflecting Pool, post UFC fight South Lawn

The Department of the Interior is working to address the algae situation with the Reflecting Pool. On June 17, workers were seen pouring hydrogen peroxide into the landmark to reduce the algae. As of Wednesday, parts of the pool remained green.

Meanwhile, on the South Lawn, the White House announced June 16 that ScottsMiracle-Gro and the National Park Service will work to restore the grass following the UFC fight on June 14. The company, the White House said, has committed $1 million toward the project.

USA TODAY has contacted the National Park Service for additional information about the repairs to the National Mall following the discoloration and violent political message.

Contributing: Bart Jansen/ USA TODAY

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected].

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