Trump Says Reflecting Pool Likely to Be Drained for Repairs Amid Vandalism Claims

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C., is "probably" going to be drained for repairs, according to Donald Trump. He cited algae blooms and peeling paint as issues that marred the pool's recent renovation, which was completed ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations.

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After meeting with pool contractors, they would probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs, but will have them done as quickly as possible.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that contractors would "probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs, but will have them done as quickly as possible." He acknowledged "real problems" with the pool following a $14.2 million makeover.

Trump also blamed "disgraceful vandalism" for some of the issues, claiming that several people had been arrested for damaging the pool. He specifically mentioned three-time Olympian David Hearn, who was reportedly arrested on a misdemeanor charge for touching a peeling piece of paint liner. Details on other alleged arrests remained unclear.

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many additional people have been arrested having to do with the disgraceful Vandalism of our beautiful Reflecting Pool

Despite the problems, Trump asserted that the pool "hasn’t looked or worked like this since 1922" and that the recent renovations made it "work perfectly, including the mirror like finish, perfectly reflecting the two Great Monuments, which it never had before!" He cryptically referenced vandals who had previously etched "8647" (slang for "86ing" or cancelling Trump) into a nearby lawn and accused them of gashing the pool's facade and pouring chemicals into it.

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It hasn’t looked or worked like this since 1922, when it was originally built, but even then, it leaked badly, and didn’t work. Ours,” he added, “worked perfectly, including the mirror like finish, perfectly reflecting the two Great Monuments, which it never had before!