Ex-Olympic Canoeist Charged with Damaging Trump's 'Reflecting Pool'

David Herne, a three-time Olympian and former US national canoe team member, faces criminal charges for allegedly damaging the "Reflecting Pool" in Washington D.C., a site undergoing renovation under Donald Trump's direction. Herne was indicted in federal court on charges of property destruction.

Prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Jenean Ferris, allege that Herne "intentionally" removed materials from the pool's recently installed lining, causing approximately $1,000 in damage. Ferris stated that Herne "forcibly and violently" pulled at the bottom material with "both hands" and displayed a hostile attitude toward staff who attempted to intervene. "The evidence in this case is very strong," she added.

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intentionally removed materials

Herne, however, denies the accusations. He claims he was simply riding his bicycle and became curious about the pool's condition, leading him to reach into the water to inspect a partially detached blue material. He was arrested after this incident on June 19 but later released.

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forcibly and violently

The "Reflecting Pool" gained national attention when Trump ordered a major renovation ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary. Trump had previously criticized the pool's condition as "dirty and dilapidated" and vowed to make it a "true Reflecting Pool" by cleaning the water and painting the bottom "Old Glory Blue." The project, which began in April, involved applying a deep navy blue coating chosen by Trump to the formerly gray bottom. The total cost, including the coating and water treatment system, exceeded $16 million.

Despite the extensive work, problems quickly emerged. Within days of refilling the pool in early July, algae bloomed, turning the promised blue surface into a murky green. Parts of the bottom coating also began to peel and detach. These issues sparked criticism of the project's quality and appropriateness.

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The evidence in this case is very strong.

Trump attributed the algae growth to "vandalism," claiming on his social media platform Truth Social that someone had created a "91-meter-long gash" in the coating and illegally added chemicals to the water. He warned that damaging a federal monument could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and ordered increased security around the pool.

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dirty and dilapidated