Key facts
- Governor Doug Burgum maintains that vandalism caused damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's new blue lining.
- Burgum emphasized the need to protect federal property and stated that courts would determine penalties for those charged.
- David Hearn, a former U.S. Olympian, faces felony destruction of property charges, which he denies.
- Evidence of a large gash, as claimed by the Trump administration, has not been publicly provided.
- Defects in the pool's coating, such as bubbling and small holes, were noted before vandalism claims emerged.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has reiterated his stance that vandalism was the cause of damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's newly applied blue lining. Burgum stated that the sealant would not have peeled off without external interference, dismissing other potential explanations for the pool's issues. The renovations, a multi-million dollar project initiated by President Donald Trump, aimed to seal leaks and change the pool's base color. However, controversy arose when algae began growing shortly after the pool reopened, followed by segments of the blue liner appearing in the water.
One individual, David Hearn, a former U.S. Olympian, has been charged with felony destruction of property, facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Hearn has denied these charges, asserting he did not damage the pool. When asked about the severity of the penalty for Hearn, Burgum stated that the "courts will decide" but emphasized the importance of defending federal property and holding accountable those who deface monuments.
The Trump administration has not provided evidence to support claims of a significant gash in the pool lining, with lengths variously reported from 150 to 350 feet. PolitiFact noted that Interior Department staff had observed defects in the blue coating, including bubbling and small holes, prior to the vandalism allegations. The pool's foundational issues, such as leaking filtration pipes, were also not addressed in the recent renovations. The pool reopened on June 6, but within a week, the water turned green with algae, obscuring the new blue bottom. Experts note that algae growth is a persistent issue in the shallow, sun-exposed water of the Reflecting Pool.