Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained and will be ‘put back into service soon’
Reflecting Pool Drained for Repairs as Trump Addresses Vandalism Claims
Trump says Reflecting Pool has been emptied to begin essential repairs following damage claims. President Donald Trump announced Monday that the historic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained to facilitate necessary work on the iconic landmark. According to his statement, the pool will be refilled and returned to normal operations soon. The president reiterated that vandals damaged the pool's protective lining, requiring immediate attention to the structure.
What Happened to the Pool
CNN reporters noted that a substantial portion of water had already been removed from the basin. Visible patches of dried sediment, accumulated algae, and scattered debris rested on the surface. This landmark, recently renovated and painted in what Trump described as "American flag blue," appeared to have experienced various issues since the renovation project began.
"We drained the beautiful Reflecting Pool today to address the scars and damage done by vandals about two weeks ago," Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday evening.
The president described the incident dramatically, stating that the slashes measured 300 yards in length. He explained that the pool floor had been cut and pulled upward with considerable force by what he characterized as thugs. Since Trump initiated calls for the pool's renovation back in April, the undertaking has faced numerous complications.
Examining the Evidence
Trump's assertion that the gashes span 300 yards represents a significant increase from earlier statements. This measurement would equate to 900 feet, roughly the length of three football fields placed end to end. His previous claims had grown progressively longer, starting with a single cut of 250 feet and later expanding to numerous slashes over 350 feet.
A CNN team visited the pool late Monday afternoon to investigate the claims firsthand. The crew did not observe obvious signs of extensive gashes in the newly installed lining. However, their assessment was limited because fencing had been erected around much of the landmark, preventing access to the full length of the pool. CNN contacted several relevant agencies, including the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, and the US Park Police, to determine whether they found evidence of gashes now that most of the water has been removed.
The president emphasized that the Parks Department needed to empty the water to repair the watertight basin. He expressed strong opinions about those responsible, stating that country-hating individuals should face significant consequences for the damage. Later that evening, Trump posted additional comments, criticizing news coverage of the pool and maintaining that the lining had been slashed with either a knife or a box cutter.
Legal Actions Underway
In recent weeks, law enforcement has taken action against several individuals. At least three people have been charged with destruction of property after allegedly removing sections of blue paint from the pool. All three have recently entered not guilty pleas. Additionally, David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist who was indicted on the same charge, also pleaded not guilty last week.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum provided commentary during a July 5 interview on CNN's State of the Union program. He stated that the government could absolutely demonstrate that vandals caused the damage, citing photographs as supporting evidence. When asked whether those photographs showed anyone actively damaging the pool, Burgum offered a somewhat evasive response. On a separate podcast appearance last week, Burgum noted that crews began the draining process following the July Fourth fireworks celebration.
The situation highlights the challenges facing Trump's broader initiative to beautify Washington, D.C. The Reflecting Pool, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, continues to navigate through various complications as officials work to restore it to its intended condition. Whether the vandalism claims will be substantiated remains to be seen as investigations continue.