Trump says he will present evidence in court that vandals damaged Reflecting Pool

President Donald Trump told CBS News senior White House correspondent Ed O'Keefe that he will provide proof in court that vandals cut a 350-foot slit in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which he says is responsible for the peeling paint after a $14.7 million sealant project. He suggested that the damage was caused "very violently" and hinted that fertilizer may have been added to the water to promote algae growth.

The U.S. Park Police report that five people have been arrested for Reflecting Pool vandalism and five others received federal citations, but neither the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, nor the National Park Service has confirmed that a cut slit caused the deterioration. Reporters who visited the site said they found no visible slit.

Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which received a no-bid contract for the sealant work, acknowledged that "some areas" of the project need repair but said the issues represent a small portion of the seven-acre pool and do not indicate a liner failure. The company said repairs can only be made after the pool is drained, which will occur when feasible.

When asked for evidence such as photos or video, Trump replied that the proof would become apparent "at the right time" in court and urged reporters to contact the Parks Department or the Department of the Interior. CBS News has sought comment from the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior but has not received a response.