Trump Gets Mad After Seeing These Images
President Trump is continuing to defend his claims that vandalism is responsible for damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, despite questions surrounding the recently completed renovation project.
The administration’s multimillion-dollar overhaul of the historic landmark was finished only weeks ago. Since then, the pool has experienced an algae bloom that turned the water green, while photos have circulated showing sections of the new blue coating peeling away and floating to the surface.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Trump suggested the damage was not the result of construction issues but was intentionally caused by someone cutting through the pool’s new liner. He claimed a slit measuring roughly 300 feet had been made with what he described as a box cutter or similar sharp object.
In a Truth Social post Tuesday morning, Trump increased that estimate to 350 feet and said the damage appeared to have been caused by “very sharp knives or razors.”
The president said the Reflecting Pool will be partially drained either before or after the Fourth of July to allow crews to make repairs.
“It was purposefully and criminally done,” Trump wrote, adding that whoever caused the damage likely worked under the cover of darkness. He also claimed that another section near the bottom of the pool had been cut and lifted away from the surface, leaving jagged and uneven edges.
Trump has also floated the possibility that chemicals may have been introduced into the water, contributing to the pool’s problems.
When reporters pressed for evidence supporting the vandalism allegations, Trump directed questions to the National Park Service.
The Interior Department announced Monday that five individuals had been arrested and five others cited in connection with alleged vandalism at the site.
By Tuesday, Trump said six people had been arrested and seven citations issued for what he described as damage to the newly renovated Reflecting Pool.
Among those arrested was former U.S. Olympic canoe racer David Hearn, who told The Associated Press he was detained by National Guard personnel and U.S. Park Police for several hours after touching a loose piece of peeling coating.
Some Republicans have expressed confidence that authorities possess evidence supporting the vandalism claims. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) said he expects the Park Police and other officials to provide answers regarding what occurred at the site.
Democrats, however, have questioned the administration’s explanation. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) noted that the Reflecting Pool is reportedly monitored around the clock by security cameras and argued that any intentional damage of the scale described by Trump should be visible on surveillance footage.
Durbin said the administration could strengthen its case by releasing any video evidence showing the alleged vandalism, allowing the public to judge the claims for themselves.
