President Donald Trump has warned Americans about the consequences of damaging public landmarks after claiming the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was targeted by vandals.
The Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, DC, was recently refurbished as part of a Trump-ordered project that reportedly cost about $14.5 million. The work included draining the pool, repainting and sealing its bottom in a shade Trump described as “American flag blue,” and repairing leaking sections of the lining.
But within days of being refilled, the pool began turning green with algae, and sections of the new blue coating were seen peeling away from the bottom and edges. National Park Service workers have been trying to address the bloom with cleaning equipment and treatments, while the pool has remained a source of intense attention ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Trump has argued that the problems were not caused by the renovation itself, but by deliberate damage.
“We’ve had some real problems with Vandalism at the beautiful Reflecting Pool, which sits between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial.
“Just like three days ago, they destroyed the grass outside of the Pool, they’ve also done everything possible to hurt the inside surface that was just installed.
“No different than the chemicals that were used on the National Mall, they used something similar in the Reflecting Pool to try to destroy and demean our beautiful work.”
The president has now highlighted the severe punishment he says applies to anyone caught vandalising sites like the Reflecting Pool.
Writing on Truth Social on June 22, he said:
“Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!
“It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!).
“Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced!”
Trump did not provide evidence to back up the claim that vandalism caused the peeling paint or the algae bloom. Federal law does allow for prison terms of up to 10 years in cases involving significant damage to government property.
The warning follows reports that multiple people have been arrested or cited in connection with alleged vandalism around the site. One of those named was three-time Olympian David Hearn, who was stopped during a bike ride and later told reporters he had only touched a partially detached piece of coating in the water.
In remarks to The Washington Post, Hearn said he simply placed his hand in the water to feel it before being arrested by US Park Police officers.
Hearn has maintained that he ‘didn’t destroy or break or peel anything’. Even so, the 67-year-old is facing a misdemeanor charge for destruction of government property and is due in DC Superior Court on July 9.