Trump says six arrested and seven cited over alleged reflecting-pool damage
President Trump claimed six people were arrested and seven received citations after what he described as vandalism to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, while the renovation project continues to face technical problems.
President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social account that six individuals have been arrested and seven have been cited in connection with damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. He described the damage as a series of slashes totaling about 350 feet in length, allegedly made with a sharp knife or razor, and said the work appeared to have been done deliberately at night.
Trump added that the pool’s water is “as beautiful as it can be” and that the site will be drained for permanent repairs either before or after the Fourth of July holiday. He posted photos intended to show the water returning to a blue color.
The reflecting-pool renovation, a $14 million project ordered to be completed for the Independence Day celebrations, has encountered issues such as algal blooms, peeling paint and liner problems. Federal officials have not confirmed the president’s claims about vandalism, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate the alleged gash.
"The 350 foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350 foot length. It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition," Trump wrote.
"We will drain some of the water, either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair," he added.
The administration has not provided further details on the arrests or citations, and the Department of Justice has not released statements confirming the numbers.
