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Trump says repairs to algae-plagued Reflecting Pool will begin immediately
President Trump announced that work will begin immediately to repair Washington DC's Reflecting Pool, which is plagued by green algae and vandalism. The pool may need to be drained and refilled for a second time this month, and officials have vowed to prosecute vandals.
US President Donald Trump says he has "inspected" the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC and that "work will begin immediately" to repair the American landmark. The announcement comes as the pool, built in the 1920s and stretching 2,030ft (619m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, faces persistent issues with algae turning the water a bright shade of green, as well as recent vandalism.
According to Trump, the pool may need to be drained and refilled for a second time this month. He made the remarks after flying over the site in a helicopter on Sunday while returning from Camp David.
Coverage Comparison
The BBC reports that the pool's problems are twofold: a stubborn algae bloom and damage from vandals. Despite a recent multi-million dollar renovation, including a fresh coat of blue paint, the historic structure continues to face challenges. The algae has turned the water a vivid green, and Trump claims the pool's paint has been marred by vandals ahead of the 250th anniversary of the country's 4 July independence day.
The BBC's reporting draws on statements from Trump, a senior Trump administration official, and US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro. The coverage notes that US Park Police, the federal agency that patrols the National Mall, did not reply to a BBC email requesting confirmation of arrest figures.
Key Claims
Trump inspected the Reflecting Pool and announced that work will begin immediately to repair it.
The pool has algae turning the water a bright shade of green.
The pool may need to be drained and refilled for a second time this month.
The pool's paint has been marred by vandals ahead of the 250th anniversary of the country's independence day.
US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro vowed to aggressively prosecute anyone found to have damaged the pool.
Five people have been arrested for vandalism, and five more were issued with citations by police on Saturday night, according to a senior Trump administration official.
A total of 14 police reports have been filed, the official told CBS, the BBC's US partner, including one person who Trump claimed had used a blade to put a 250-foot-long gash into the "beautiful facade."
The Reflecting Pool has long been beset by leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth, and bird droppings.
Despite a recent renovation costing an estimated $13m (£9.8m), the pool has continued to be plagued by algae and more recently paint problems, with pieces of the new paint job peeling from the bottom of the pool.
A dead duckling was found floating in the pool.
The green algae inside the pool is a species called Desmodesmus, which is harmless to people or animals.
Perspectives
Trump Administration: President Trump and a senior administration official describe the pool's condition as a result of vandalism and algae, with immediate repairs planned and legal consequences for those responsible.
US Attorney's Office: Jeanine Pirro has pledged to aggressively prosecute anyone found to have damaged the pool, emphasizing that vandals will face the criminal justice system in DC.
Algae expert perspective: The algae species Desmodesmus is noted as harmless, suggesting the green water, while unsightly, poses no public health risk.
How this outlet told it
BBC — World
Framing: Trump vows to repair Reflecting Pool — Neutral
Facts Included:
Trump inspected the Reflecting Pool
The pool has algae turning the water green
The pool may need to be drained and refilled for a second time this month
Five people have been arrested for vandalism
US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro vowed to aggressively prosecute anyone found to have damaged the pool
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimUS President Donald Trump inspected the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC and announced that work will begin immediately to repair the American landmark.
ClaimA total of 14 police reports have been filed, including one person who Trump claimed had used a blade to put a 250 foot long gash into the beautiful facade.