On Monday, President Trump stated that he would provide evidence in court to support his allegations of vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He claimed vandals cut a large slit in the pool, arguing this is why paint is peeling from the $14.7 million renovation, which has also suffered from algae issues.
In a conversation with Ed O’Keefe from CBS News, Trump asserted that the issues stem from vandalism rather than poor construction. He mentioned vandals created a 350-foot slit in the pool between the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. According to U.S. Park Police, five people were arrested for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool, and federal citations were issued to five more individuals. However, neither the project contractor nor the U.S. Park Service confirmed that a slit caused the peeling.
When asked about proof, Trump suggested the 350-foot slit itself is evidence. O’Keefe reported that journalists visited the site and found no slit. Trump responded, directing them to consult with the Parks Department or Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for evidence.
Trump further claimed there are photographs to support his allegations. When pressed for proof, he indicated the evidence would be revealed in court and advised contacting the Parks Department or the Department of Interior.
Blue coating is seen among algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, June 21, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.
The president also speculated that someone might have added fertilizer to the water to encourage algae growth, although he offered no supporting evidence.
CBS News reached out to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior, but they haven’t replied. Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the firm that applied the sealant, mentioned the need for repairs in some parts of the seven-acre project. They clarified these areas don’t signify a liner failure and repairs will occur once the pool is drained, as part of their warranty.
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