WASHINGTON - Workers are once more emptying the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool because President Donald Trump's renovation efforts, which have encountered multiple issues, have gone well beyond his original target of completing it by July 4 for the country's 250th anniversary.

The president initially claimed his upgrades would endure for a century. Yet within weeks of the first completion last month, algae appeared and sections of the fresh coating seemed to detach from the base.

Trump attributed the detachment to vandals, while critics point to inadequate workmanship.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose department supervises the National Park Service, informed conservative podcaster Katie Miller in an interview released this week that the latest draining was anticipated. He added that debris from the extensive Independence Day fireworks over the National Mall might remain in the water.

"Empty the water, remove the fireworks debris," Burgum told Miller, who is married to deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller. "Fix the vandalism that occurred. Refill it afterward."

The Reflecting Pool work forms part of several initiatives Trump has launched in the capital. Notably, he removed the White House East Wing to construct a $400 million ballroom and intends to erect a large arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

He first declared plans to enhance the Reflecting Pool this spring, aiming for completion ahead of the 250th anniversary events.

The water was emptied and Trump ordered the base coated in what he termed "American flag blue." In May, the president wrote on his social platform about the pool: "The aim is to finish it, at this improved standard, before July 4th - We are progressing ahead of schedule!"

Yet difficulties emerged soon after the initial phase ended. Trump accused vandals, and records later indicated the National Park Service notified the U.S. Park Police of a June 9 event where a sharp blade sliced the pool's fresh liner.

On Thursday, former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn entered a not guilty plea in D.C. Superior Court for intentionally harming the Reflecting Pool. Hearn explained he reached into the pool to inspect the detached sealant and released a piece after a park employee instructed him.

His lawyers and Trump administration opponents have criticized the prosecution as misuse of authority and insist he is being blamed for substandard repairs on the Reflecting Pool.

At least three additional individuals face misdemeanor charges in the same court for allegedly taking fragments of paint from the Reflecting Pool, per online court files. All three entered not guilty pleas at their first hearings Wednesday.

The pool remained shut for the Independence Day event, which Trump described as the world's largest fireworks show. The president noted the pool would require draining again during the fresh repairs.

Burgum further stated the Trump administration will skip competitive bidding for the additional fixes. He remarked to CNN's "State of the Union" last weekend: "We will retain the same firm since they performed excellently."

Ohio-based Green Water Solutions, also called Greenwater Services, received a $1.7 million contract to add a water-purification system to the Reflecting Pool, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings secured $14.7 million to repaint and seal the pool's concrete base.

Democratic senators and House members are examining the pool project, including questions on total taxpayer costs involved.