President Trump claimed vandals damaged Washington's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool following its recent multimillion-dollar renovation, citing algae and peeling paint.
7:17 PM
President Trump has blamed vandalism for problems at Washington's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which underwent a $14.2 million renovation earlier this year. The pool has developed an algae bloom and paint has been observed peeling in the water.
Trump stated on Truth Social that United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals in connection with what he described as deliberate sabotage of the monument. "The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Pool," Trump wrote late Saturday evening. "These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair."
In subsequent posts, Trump provided additional details about the alleged damage. He claimed vandals used a knife or blade to create a 76-meter breach in the pool's facade and poured corrosive and destructive chemicals into the basin. Trump stated that the pool had not been as beautiful as it was one week after completion of the renovation, and had not been in such condition since 1922 when it opened.
Trump characterized the alleged vandalism as an affront to Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. He also referenced damage to adjacent grounds, where the phrase "86 47" was written, and indicated that repairs would require draining much of the water from the pool.
National Park Service employees have been working to remove algae from the bottom of the pool. Trump stated that his administration had met with contractors and would begin repair work immediately, though the process would require significant effort to complete.
Trump provided no evidence to support his vandalism claims. The pool's condition emerged days after his administration had claimed it was "crystal clear" despite visible green discoloration from the algae bloom.
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