Residents of Washington, D.C.expressed strong criticism of the recently completed $14 million restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a project promoted by President Donald Trump as part of a broader effort to beautify the nation’s capital.According to reports highlighted by CNN, many visitors were disappointed with the pool’s appearance shortly after the renovation was completed.

Observers noted that the water had turned green due to algae growth and that much of the blue paint applied to the pool’s bottom appeared to be peeling away or no longer visible.

The project has also attracted controversy because the contract was reportedly awarded through a no-bid process to a contractor with ties to the president, raising concerns among critics about transparency and procurement practices.

Prior to completion, experts had warned that painting the bottom of the pool blue could contribute to maintenance issues and would not prevent algae growth.Federal workers have attempted to address the problem by treating the water with peroxide and conducting extensive cleaning operations.CNN correspondent Tom Foreman reported seeing numerous workers continuously vacuuming the pool in an effort to improve its condition.However, visitors interviewed at the site said the efforts appeared to have produced little visible improvement.

Several residents offered blunt assessments of the restoration, describing the pool as unattractive and expressing concern about its environmental condition.

One resident remarked that the pool looked covered in green slime, while another commented that the peroxide treatments had not helped and joked that they felt sorry for the ducks living in the water.The criticism reflects ongoing public debate about both the cost and execution of the restoration project.