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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington's National Mall is set to be drained again for repairs after algae and peeling paint appeared just weeks after a $14.7 million renovation, according to multiple reports. President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for the damage, claiming multiple arrests have been made, but authorities have not yet confirmed those assertions.

Coverage comparison

The renovation, which cost $14.7 million according to most reports, was completed on June 6, with the pool's bottom painted a dark blue shade Trump called "American flag blue." Within days, algae blooms turned the water green and the paint began peeling. The DC Water authority issued a permit to drain the 609-metre pool, as reported by multiple outlets, while the repair company said it would fix the pool as part of its warranty.

Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals, alleging they used knives and poured chemicals or fertilizer into the water. He has threatened prison time for anyone caught damaging the pool, echoing a weekend threat by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. The maximum penalty for destroying federal property is 10 years in prison, as reported by several outlets.

However, reporting has raised questions about the vandalism claims. The Hindu reported that the Park Police and Interior Department did not respond to requests for comment on Trump's assertions. ABC Australia reported that reporters who visited the pool could not see evidence of the slits Trump described, and that a former Olympian, David Hearn, was arrested for touching the peeling paint. Hearn denied any wrongdoing, saying he was just curious, according to multiple outlets.

Al Jazeera cited experts saying algae blooms are common in water at this time of year, a possible alternative explanation for the pool's condition that contrasts with Trump's vandalism narrative.

Key claims

  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was renovated with a $14.7 million no-bid contract, as reported by multiple outlets.
  • The pool is set to be drained again for repairs due to algae and peeling paint, according to multiple reports.
  • President Trump blamed vandals for the damage without providing evidence, a claim reported by several outlets.
  • Experts say algae blooms in water are common at this time of year, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • A former Olympian, David Hearn, was arrested for touching the peeling paint, according to multiple reports.
  • Trump threatened prison time for anyone caught damaging the pool, as reported by multiple outlets.