President Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was 70 percent filled after recent repairs, warning potential vandals of legal consequences. In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized monitoring efforts with added security cameras to prevent damage.
The issue of damage to the pool’s lining has been debated. Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against former Olympian canoeist David Hearn, stating the damage resulted from rushed installation rather than vandalism. Documents from the Interior Department supported this, highlighting efforts to complete the project for the America 250 celebration.
Doug Buchanan from DC Courts noted several vandalism cases were filed but dismissed before reaching court. Norm Eisen, Hearn’s attorney, criticized Trump for blaming unnamed vandals and misusing public resources. The DOJ and the White House referenced Trump’s post on Truth Social when reached for comments.
Trump maintained in his post that the pool had never functioned properly since its construction in 1922. He expected improvements, provided no vandalism occurred. Trump alleged grass near the pool had been poisoned and damaged, claiming repairs reinforced the pool’s condition.
Water began refilling the Reflecting Pool on October 12, amidst ongoing final repairs. Trump had announced the refurbishment in April, initially estimating completion in two weeks for $1.5 to $2 million. Costs escalated, and the applied coating began peeling shortly after completion. The National Park Service indicated temporary cloudiness as part of the refilling process.
Prosecutors countered Trump’s vandalism claim, citing evidence of a failed contractor installation. The DOJ had charged Hearn initially, but new Interior Department documents led to case dismissal. Inspections revealed damage unlikely from vandalism.
Judge Todd Edelman dismissed Hearn’s case permanently, preventing felony charge refiling. Hearn recounted he had touched pool lining that looked damaged while cycling. Trump continues asserting vandalism claims, backed by video footage and observations.
Newsweek editors Anthony Murray and Samantha Beech supervised the production of this story with AI assistant Martyn’s help.
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