Trump Spreads Baseless Claims of Vandalism at Reflecting Pool Amid Routine Repairs
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President Donald Trump once again peddles unfounded accusations, alleging vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool despite zero evidence, as the pool undergoes standard maintenance.
President Donald Trump on Monday night irresponsibly claimed that 'vandals' had damaged the floor of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, asserting that the water was being removed for repairs. In a social-media post, Trump dismissed factual reporting from ABC News, which stated the pool was being drained to address peeling paint and algae, instead concocting a narrative that a 'high-grade colored waterproofing liner' had been slashed with a knife or box cutter. As usual, the president provided no documentation or credible evidence to support his baseless allegation of vandalism. ABC World News Tonight anchor David Muir succinctly reported that the pool was being drained for the second time in recent months due to persistent paint issues and recurring algae blooms—routine maintenance for a public monument. Trump, who has a history of attacking the press, especially ABC, once again tried to discredit the network, referencing a $16 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit he filed against them, further fueling his ongoing war on the media.