Former President Donald Trump has threatened to file new lawsuits against ABC News, accusing the outlet of false reporting regarding the $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool has recently turned green with algae, and its new "American flag blue" paint is reportedly peeling.
Trump claimed in a social media post that the discoloration and peeling are the result of vandalism, stating that authorities are investigating. He asserted that the issue is confined to a small area and will be fixed. "I spent approximately 16 Million Dollars, and it came out great, except for the Vandalism, which we are now fixing," Trump wrote. He also stated that any money awarded from the lawsuits would be given to the U.S. Treasury.
ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl reported from the Reflecting Pool, noting the green algae and the peeling paint. During his report, Karl demonstrated by lifting a piece of the blue paint that had detached from the pool's surface.
Trump contested Karl's reporting, alleging the reporter attempted to rip the paint from the pool. "Lightweight ABC Reporter, Jonathan Karl, was seen sticking his hand into the Pool, and trying to rip the rubber off of the surface," Trump posted on Truth Social. He added that the algae is largely gone and the pool will soon be fully remedied.
In his statements, Trump also criticized ABC News for not reporting on previous administrations' spending on the Reflecting Pool. He claimed that former Presidents Obama and Biden spent over $100 million on the pool, which he alleged was frequently closed due to leaks and odor. According to reports, the Obama administration allocated approximately $35 million for pool reconstruction in the 2010s. The extent of any spending by the Biden administration on the pool is unclear, but no major repairs were overseen during his term.
This is not the first legal action Trump has taken against ABC News. In December 2024, he reportedly received a $16 million settlement from the network after anchor George Stephanopoulos stated Trump was found liable for rape, which was later clarified as sexual assault and defamation.
Separately, Trump has warned of severe penalties, including years in prison, for anyone caught defacing public landmarks. This follows incidents of vandalism on the National Mall, including graffiti etched into the grass.