Trump Denounces Vandalism at Reflecting Pool as Workers Race to Save It

President Donald Trump attributed the discolored water and algae growth in Washington's Reflecting Pool to vandalism. He stated that the pool, situated between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, has suffered "serious vandalism."

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We have had serious vandalism in the beautiful Reflecting Pool, situated between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Trump claimed that "just three days ago" the surrounding grass was damaged and attempts were made to harm the "newly installed interior surface." He asserted that "substances" were used in the pool "to try to destroy and belittle" the monument.

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Just three days ago they destroyed the grass around the pool and also did everything they could to damage the newly installed interior surface.

This situation has become a focal point, as Trump made the monument's restoration a key element of the upcoming July 4th festivities, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Government workers are reportedly working against the clock to return the pool to its desired blue hue and clear the water.

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They employed substances in the Reflecting Pool to try to destroy and belittle this magnificent work.

In connection with the incident, U.S. Park Police arrested a cyclist, identified as 67-year-old former Olympian David Hearn, on charges of minor destruction of government property. He is accused of removing part of the pool's lining. Hearn, however, maintains that he merely placed his hand in the water and did not damage anything, stating he was handcuffed as soon as he realized what was happening.

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I did not vandalize anything, I did not destroy, break or peel anything. When I realized what was happening, I was already being handcuffed.