President Donald Trump shared photos on Saturday of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., labeling them as evidence of vandalism. The images showed graffiti and sections of the pool's coating that appeared to be peeling. Trump posted the material on his social media platform late in the day.
In accompanying comments, Trump stated that the material was cut for 300 feet or more in the area where video had previously shown activity. He said people were on their knees with their hands in the water at the location of the cuts. Trump added that there were witnesses to the acts and that flexible areas of the material had been cut with a knife. He also shared a screenshot from another social media platform that he said supported the claim of damage.
The posts come as Trump continues to urge U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro to revisit her office's decision to drop criminal charges related to the pool. On Friday, Trump called for her to re-examine what he described as a hastily made decision. Pirro's office has indicated that the damage stemmed from work by contractors involved in the recent renovation rather than intentional acts by individuals.
The Reflecting Pool underwent a major renovation earlier this year under the Trump administration. The project, estimated at more than $14 million, involved draining the pool and applying a new blue coating described as American flag blue. The work aimed to prepare the site for events marking the nation's 250th anniversary. After the pool was refilled, algae appeared in the water and portions of the new coating began to peel and float.
Trump has maintained since June that vandals caused the primary problems. He has described cuts made with a knife or box cutter and has referenced additional issues such as material being lifted and chemicals or fertilizer introduced into the water. Multiple individuals were arrested or cited in connection with the site during that period, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn. Hearn was charged after being seen near the pool and touching a section of the lining. He stated that he examined an already detached piece out of curiosity.
In late July, Pirro's office filed a motion to drop the charges against Hearn. The filing cited new information from the Department of the Interior showing that damage resulted from flawed installation by the contractor and the rush to complete the project ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The documents indicated widespread issues inconsistent with isolated acts of vandalism. Trump responded by disagreeing with the assessment and stating that major damage came from vandals, while noting possible contractor difficulties.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has supported the position that vandalism occurred repeatedly at the site. Earlier National Park Service reports referenced cuts to caulking and foam sealant observed in June, along with other debris in the pool. Trump previously shared security camera footage showing individuals with their hands in the water and described it as evidence of cutting activity.
The pool has been under increased monitoring, with repairs and assessments continuing after the anniversary events. Trump's latest posts include the labeled photos of graffiti and peeling surfaces as further examples of the conditions he attributes to vandalism. Pirro met with Trump at the White House earlier this month following the initial disagreement over the case.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool remains a central feature of the National Mall. Officials from the National Park Service and Interior Department have handled the maintenance and related investigations. Trump has continued to post updates on the matter through social media.
