Trump blames 'vandals' for reflecting pool damage, demands jail time

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly blamed "vandals" for alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, demanding that those responsible be jailed. Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform that chemicals were used to deface the pool's recently painted blue interior, leading to paint chipping.

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We have, however, had some real problems with vandalism on the beautiful reflecting pool that sits between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Trump specifically accused the pool's paint of flaking off, stating, "They have done everything possible to ruin the interior surface that was just put in." He also directed criticism at ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, claiming Karl was seen "pushing his hand into the pool" and attempting to "rip material off" its surface. Trump described the pool's algae problem as historical, noting it "forms easily."

The president claimed that the algae has been largely removed and the situation is improving. He attributed the vandalism to "deranged white supremacists" whom he suggested were likely Democrats, a term he has recently coined as "Dumb-ocrats." Trump also mentioned that several individuals had been apprehended by police for vandalism at the reflecting pool, vowing severe punishment.

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They have done everything possible to ruin the interior surface that was just put in.

This incident comes amid significant cost overruns for the pool's renovation. Initially estimated at $1.8 million, the project's cost has ballooned to $14.8 million. The contract was awarded without competitive bidding, a decision Trump initially attributed to giving it to a contractor he knew, but later denied personally awarding the contract or knowing the contractor.

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ABC’s lightweight reporter Jonathan Karl is seen pushing his hand into the pool as he is attempting to rip material from its surface.