Trump Says Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool May Be Drained Again Following Alleged Vandalism

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump said the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., may need to be partially drained for repairs after what he described as acts of vandalism at the historic site.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said officials met with contractors to assess the damage and may be forced to release and drain much of the water to carry out necessary repairs. He added that several individuals had been arrested in connection with the alleged vandalism. However, he did not provide evidence to support the claims, and federal authorities had not publicly commented on the matter at the time of his statement.

The announcement comes only weeks after completion of a $14.7 million renovation project at the iconic reflecting pool. The project has faced a series of challenges, including an algae bloom that turned the water green and reports of paint peeling from the pool’s surface. Workers had recently been using hydrogen peroxide and other treatment methods to address the algae problem.

Trump alleged that corrosive chemicals had been poured into the pool, causing damage that now requires further repairs. The U.S. Park Police, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

The reflecting pool renovation is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to renovate and reshape several prominent landmarks and public spaces in the U.S. capital ahead of events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.