Vandals Strike Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Post-Renovation

President Donald Trump announced Friday that vandals damaged the newly renovated reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial. Authorities are now investigating the situation.

The reflecting pool, which underwent a $14.8 million restoration, faces issues with peeling paint and algae growth. Trump highlighted these problems on Truth Social, stating how Washington D.C. has improved in safety since he became president. He noted that vandalism at the reflecting pool, located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, has been a concern.

The beautiful Reflecting Pool, which sits between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial, has been damaged by vandals,

Trump’s comments are backed by incidents where chemicals were reportedly used to harm the pool’s surface, similar to those used on the National Mall. Vandals also destroyed grass outside the pool.

A recent incident involved the numbers ’86 47′ carved into the grass near the National Mall, interpreted by officials as a threat. ’86’ is slang for removing something, and ’47’ represents Trump as the 47th president.

Trump earlier announced the finalization of the restoration project on June 6, but algae surfaced soon after, obscuring parts of the pool’s new ‘American flag blue’ bottom. In response, the National Park Service and contractors used chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to control the algae, alongside a pool-style vacuum system.

The park service confirmed that these methods pose no risk to marine life or the environment. They remain committed to resolving the algae issue fully.

The algae is 75% gone, and the condition will soon be completely remedied,

Trump stated, ensuring that the vandalism will be repaired shortly. Law enforcement is actively investigating these incidents, with National Guard personnel and U.S. Park Police officers seen patrolling the area. Meanwhile, social media activity has shown criticism of the renovation while some celebrate the algae growth.