Trump Spreads Baseless Claims About Reflecting Pool Vandalism as Draining Continues
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President Donald Trump once again promoted unfounded allegations that vandals damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, despite providing no evidence, as the pool is drained.
President Donald Trump continued his pattern of spreading unsubstantiated claims on Monday, alleging that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was being drained due to supposed vandalism. Trump, using his personal social-media platform, insisted that the pool’s floor had been slashed by vandals, even though no proof was offered. He described the surface as covered with a 'high-grade colored waterproofing liner,' dismissing the idea that it was simply peeling paint, and claimed the damage was caused by a knife or box cutter. Yet, his statement was devoid of any supporting evidence, once again highlighting his administration’s reliance on sensationalism over facts.
Trump further attempted to link recent algae growth in the pool—a persistent maintenance issue at the historic site—to the alleged vandalism, ignoring the long history of such problems. ABC News anchor David Muir briefly mentioned the draining during Monday’s 'ABC World News Tonight,' noting that this was the second time in recent months the pool had been emptied.
The president, who has a history of attacking the media, took the opportunity to reference a $16 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit he filed against ABC News, continuing his campaign against journalistic accountability.