Trump alleges vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool amid ongoing repairs

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been vandalized and that law-enforcement agencies were investigating the incident. He said the pool’s algae problem was largely resolved and that the damaged area would be repaired early next week, though he offered no evidence of the alleged vandalism.

The claim follows observations that a blue coating applied to the pool’s bottom in recent weeks has begun to peel. The renovation, ordered by Trump, was initially projected at $1.8 million but has risen to about $14.7 million, according to a contract summary from the Interior Department.

Trump linked the alleged damage to a recent etching of the numbers “8647” in the grass on the National Mall, suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine the work. The Interior Department previously described the numbers as “deranged vandalism,” and a spokesperson said officials are addressing the markings.

The White House has not provided additional details, and the National Park Service has not commented on the investigation.