Key facts
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained again for repairs due to algae and peeling paint.
- President Trump attributes the pool's issues to 'vandals' and has threatened prosecution.
- The Interior Department has installed fencing and AI surveillance cameras around the pool due to increased vandalism.
- Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the vandalism, including former Olympian David Hearn.
- The pool recently underwent a renovation that was completed on June 6.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained for repairs due to algae and peeling paint, shortly after a recent renovation. President Donald Trump has blamed 'vandals' for the issues, threatening prosecution with a potential 10-year prison sentence for damaging federal property. The Interior Department has since installed fencing and AI surveillance cameras around the pool, citing an increase in vandalism by 'leftist activists.' Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the vandalism, including former Olympian David Hearn, whose attorneys argue he was detained for merely touching the water. The pool's recent $14.7 million renovation was declared complete on June 6. National Park Service staff have reportedly used hydrogen peroxide to address algae growth.