President Trump claimed multiple arrests were made for alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, deflecting from ongoing maintenance issues following a recent multi-million dollar renovation.
The President's claims of vandalism and arrests at a recently renovated national monument raise questions about accountability for maintenance issues and the use of public funds.
President Donald Trump has attributed recent problems at the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to "vandalism," suggesting that much of the water may need to be drained for repairs. Trump stated on social media that multiple individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged damage to the pool, and that contractors met to discuss draining the water for repairs. The reflecting pool, which underwent a $14.2 million renovation to achieve an "American flag" blue color, has experienced issues including an algae bloom that turned the water green and peeling paint or liner material. Trump alleged that chemicals were used to harm the pool's interior surface, an attempt to "destroy and demean" the recent work. He also claimed that law enforcement is actively investigating the situation and that multiple individuals were arrested by U.S. park police for vandalizing national monuments. Trump asserted that the algae problem was largely under control, estimating it was "75% gone." Separately, a three-time U.S. Olympian and canoeist, David Hearn, was arrested after touching a detached piece of the pool's liner, though he stated he did not vandalize anything. Trump also singled out ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, accusing him of trying to rip material off the pool's surface during a broadcast segment. The Department of the Interior had previously stated that algae had been killed by nanobubbler technology and was being vacuumed up, though reports indicated the water remained murky with visible algae and peeling paint.