Trump says Washington’s iconic Reflecting Pool damaged by ‘vandals,’ repairs in progress

US President Donald Trump has said that repairs are underway at the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, after what he described as damage caused by “vandals.”

“The Reflecting Pool, so badly damaged by Deranged Vandals, has been emptied as the massive slash gets repaired,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump added that the repairs were delayed until after the July 4th holiday weekend.

“What kind of animals would do such a thing? We are looking for a Vandal Proof material, but such a thing should not have been necessary,” he said.

The president also said he hopes those responsible will face the “maximum” penalties.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which was recently renovated at a cost of approximately $16 million, has faced a series of issues, including algae buildup and peeling paint.

Trump has reiterated his claim that “vandalism” caused the damage, alleging that a long slit had been cut into the pool’s lining.

Persistent maintenance struggles

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a 2,000-foot-long basin on the National Mall in Washington, DC, was built in 1922 and 1923 as part of the Lincoln Memorial complex.

Designed to mirror the memorial, it became one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. The shallow pool, with a maximum depth of about 30 inches, has long been plagued by leaks, algae growth and costly maintenance.