President Donald Trump said Tuesday that six people have been arrested for damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as the iconic Washington, D.C. landmark becomes entangled in a controversy over a $14-million-plus rehabilitation project that has faced repeated setbacks.
Background
Trump recently ordered the century-old pool to be painted in a color he dubbed 'American flag blue,' pitching the renovation as an effort to clean, beautify and reinforce a site he said had fallen into disrepair under previous administrations. The project was intended to serve as a centerpiece for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.
Within weeks of declaring the rehabilitation complete in time for Independence Day, the pool was plagued by a vivid green algae bloom that clouded the newly applied coating. A piece of liner, approximately 4 square feet, was observed partially floating in the water Friday, with additional pieces visible in the water by Monday, according to the Associated Press.
The Investigation
In a social media post, Trump claimed without supporting evidence that there had been a '350-foot gash' in the paint. 'It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition,' Trump wrote.
The Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after allegedly touching the already-peeling paint as federal workers attempted to address an algae bloom in the water. Trump said another seven people were cited for damaging the pool.
National Guard members and U.S. Park Police have been patrolling the deck around the pool after Trump insisted vandals were responsible for damage to the liner. The Park Police and Interior Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump's assertions about the scope of the vandalism.
Trump said that 'some of the water' would be drained from the pool 'either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair.' The scale, scope and cost of any permanent repair remained unclear.
Key Takeaways
- Six people have been arrested in connection with damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to Trump
- One arrest has been independently verified by the AP — a man who allegedly touched peeling paint on the pool's liner
- The $14-million-plus renovation project has faced algae blooms and coating failures since its completion
- Algae has plagued the historic pool for more than a century, predating the current administration
- Federal authorities have not confirmed Trump's claims of widespread vandalism or the '350-foot gash' he described
What's Next
Federal investigators are expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding damage to the liner. Park Police and Interior Department officials may provide additional details as the case develops. The permanent repair timeline remains uncertain, with Trump suggesting drainage could occur around Independence Day. Any court proceedings for those arrested would likely take place in federal district court in Washington, D.C.