Trump administration retains contractor for Reflecting Pool repairs despite vandalism claims
The White House announced that President Donald Trump claimed vandals had damaged the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and said federal authorities had arrested several individuals. Trump warned that the water might have to be drained for further repairs and pledged severe prison sentences for anyone responsible. Federal officials later said they had not confirmed any sabotage, while a National Park Service spokesperson reported that a knife or razor had cut the pool’s liner and foam sealant on June 9, prompting an investigation and plans to drain the pool. The U.
S. Park Police increased patrols and installed temporary fencing around the site, and Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn was later indicted on a felony property-destruction charge related to the damage. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the government would retain the existing contractor for the repair work, despite congressional Democrats calling for a probe into the $16 million renovation contracts. The administration therefore decided against opening new bids for the Reflecting Pool repairs.
