Key facts
- President Trump ordered immediate repairs for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- The pool is being drained again for repairs following a recent renovation.
- Trump attributed the pool's condition to vandalism and 'sick, deranged people'.
- An algae bloom has affected the pool's new 'American flag blue' coating.
- David Hearn, a former Olympian, was detained after touching the pool's peeling liner.
- Trump claimed five arrests were made for vandalism, but provided no proof.
President Trump has ordered immediate repairs for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing vandalism and ongoing issues with a recently completed renovation. The pool is being drained again for repairs, with Trump warning alleged vandals face prison time. Trump claimed authorities made multiple arrests of individuals responsible for damage to the pool's peeling coating, which was installed as part of his $14 million-plus project, asserting intentional damages included a '350ft long slit' and that 'chemicals have been illegally placed in the water.' However, reporters visiting the pool saw no evidence of such damage.
An algae bloom has plagued the pool, clouding its new 'American flag blue' coating. Trump attributed the algae to fertilizer added by vandals. David Hearn, a former Olympic cyclist, was detained for five hours after touching the peeling liner, stating he was curious about the damage. Trump awarded a no-bid contract for the renovation to a company that previously worked on pools at his golf clubs, and the paint began detaching shortly after completion.
Trump stated that police presence was not extensive at the time of the alleged vandalism. DC Water Authority has issued a temporary permit for the pool to discharge water into a sewer system, valid until July 2. Trump also posted on social media that destruction of federal property carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.