Reflecting Pool liner cut with knife or razor, parks official says

Intentional damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, caused by a sharp knife or razor, was confirmed by a top National Park Service official in a court filing Thursday. Frank Lands, deputy director for operations, stated the agency reported the damage on June 9 to the U.S. Park Police. This declaration marks the first public record of intentional damage, following President Trump's claims that vandals were responsible for a "350-foot gash" in the pool's coating.

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On June 9, 2026, after the rehabilitation project was substantially complete, the U.S. Park Police responded to an NPS report of damage to the reflecting pool, including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material.

"On June 9, 2026, after the rehabilitation project was substantially complete, the U.S. Park Police responded to an NPS report of damage to the reflecting pool, including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material," Lands stated in the filing. He added that approximately 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool.

Lands, who has served in his current role since 2023, declared he has personal knowledge of the facts and is willing to testify. The National Park Service plans to begin draining and repairing the pool after the Independence Day celebrations. The statement was filed as part of a lawsuit by the Cultural Landscape Foundation against the Interior Department regarding the pool's paint job. President Trump has insisted that vandals, not other issues with the work, caused the damage seen after the $14.7 million sealant project.

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In addition, approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool.

According to the U.S. Park Police, at least five people have been arrested for alleged vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool, and five additional individuals received federal citations. Mr. Trump told CBS News senior White House correspondent Ed O'Keefe that evidence of the damage would be presented in court at the appropriate time.

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Yeah, at the right time you'll see it. You'll see it in court. You'll see it in court, but all you have to do is call the Parks Department, call the Department of Interior.