Trump to repair National Mall reflecting pool after July 4

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would repair the National Mall reflecting pool after July 4, as the landmark faces heightened security and surveillance amid controversy over its recent renovation and emerging maintenance issues. The reflecting pool, situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, underwent a roughly $14 million renovation directed by Trump. This project aimed to restore and recolor the basin before the nation's 250th anniversary but has since drawn scrutiny due to reports of algae growth, peeling surface material, and visible deterioration shortly after completion. Trump has attributed these issues to saboteurs. While no evidence has surfaced to support Trump's claim of a 350-foot gash, a National Park Service official stated in a sworn court filing that U.S. Park Police examined apparent intentional damage to the pool on June 9. The National Park Service confirmed that the pool's liner was cut with a sharp object, damaging the foam sealant installed during the rehabilitation. Approximately 70 fence post tops were also found thrown into the pool. Five individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool, and five others have received federal citations. The NPS plans to drain the pool again after July 4 to conduct further repairs. The pool, constructed in the 1920s, has a history of problems including leaks, deterioration, and algae growth.