The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained to repair alleged damage, with President Donald Trump attributing the issues to vandalism and vowing that those responsible will "pay a big price." The pool, which underwent recent renovation, began experiencing an algae bloom and apparent peeling of its new coating shortly after its completion.
Trump stated in a social media post that the pool was drained Monday to fix "scars and damage" inflicted by vandals. He described the damage as "300 yards long" slashes to the pool's new waterproofing liner, which he claims were made by "thugs" cutting and pulling upward on the material. He asserted that the repairs were deliberately delayed until after the Fourth of July weekend and criticized news reports, specifically mentioning ABC News anchor David Muir, that suggested the problems were due to "peeling paint" or "algae blooms," insisting, "There is no paint, it was slashed with a knife, or box cutter, high grade colored waterproofing liner - it was VANDALISM!"
The project to beautify the Reflecting Pool was initially announced in the spring with the goal of completion before the nation's 250th birthday celebrations. Water was drained, and the bottom was painted what Trump described as "American flag blue." In May, Trump indicated the project was ahead of schedule for a July 4th completion.
However, the National Park Service reported a June 9 incident to the US Park Police involving a sharp knife or razor cutting the pool's new liner. Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the Reflecting Pool, stating he was examining peeled sealant. His attorneys and other critics argue Hearn is being scapegoated for poor repair work.
Court records indicate at least three other individuals have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the pool, and they have also pleaded not guilty. The pool was closed for the Independence Day celebration.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum acknowledged that vandalism to the pool has occurred, even prior to Hearn's alleged actions. Burgum suggested that a lack of surveillance cameras at the pool contributed to the incidents. He told Katie Miller on her podcast that vandalism began as early as June 9, even before Hearn's arrest. Burgum also indicated that the Department of the Interior would not seek new bids for the upcoming repairs, stating, "We'll use the same company because they did a fantastic job." The contracts for the pool's water-purification system and its waterproofing were awarded to Green Water Solutions and Atlantic Industrial Coatings, respectively.
Democratic senators and House members are reportedly investigating the pool project and the use of taxpayer funding.