Trump alleges vandals damaged Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool amid renovation disputes

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday that vandals had severely damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and called for prosecution of those responsible. He described the pool as having been "emptied as the massive slash gets repaired" and suggested a "Vandal Proof material" would have prevented the damage.

The pool was drained this week to address issues discovered during a $14 million renovation project that began earlier in the year. Officials said the water removal revealed peeling paint and seams where the coating had failed, rather than a large gash. A Washington Post investigation, using satellite imagery and expert review, identified seven locations where the lining had separated and concluded the failures were likely due to errors in the application process.

Only one individual, former Olympian David Hearn, has been charged in connection with the incident; he has pleaded not guilty and his attorney argues he is being used as a scapegoat for the renovation problems. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers denied any missteps in the initial repairs and reiterated claims of vandalism. The Reflecting Pool remains fenced off while work continues.