Trump says Reflecting Pool drained for repairs after alleged vandalism

President Trump stated that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained to repair damage attributed to vandals. He announced on Truth Social that the "scars and damage" required the pool's water to be emptied for repairs to the watertight basin, assuring it would be refilled and operational shortly.

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We drained the beautiful 'Reflecting Pool' today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago.

This action comes after a series of problems plaguing the Reflecting Pool's renovation project, which was initiated in April ahead of the nation's 250th birthday. Earlier in the summer, the water turned a vibrant green due to algae, and subsequently, rips appeared in the pool's newly surfaced bottom.

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The Parks Department had to empty the water in order to fix the water tight basin. It will be refilled and put back into service soon.

The National Park Service reported that the damage was caused by a sharp knife, contradicting the president's initial claims that vandals had peeled the renovated surface. While several individuals have been arrested for alleged vandalism related to the pool, Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of ripping out sealant. Hearn claims he was merely curious about the material during a bike ride.

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slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs.

President Trump reiterated his stance that those responsible should face significant consequences, describing the damage as "slashes" 300 yards long and the pool floor being "cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs." He indicated that repairs were delayed until after the July 4th weekend. When asked for evidence in late June, Trump suggested it would be revealed in court.

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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.