Post by : Bianca
Haleem
US President Donald Trump has claimed that vandalism is responsible for the damage seen at the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. He said federal authorities have made multiple arrests in connection with the alleged vandalism.
The controversy comes just days after the completion of a renovation project worth more than $14 million, launched as part of preparations for the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations. The project aimed to improve the appearance of the Reflecting Pool and give it a blue shade that Trump described as “American flag blue.”
However, soon after the renovation was completed, the pool began facing problems. An algae bloom turned the water green, while sections of the newly installed blue coating started peeling from the bottom and sides of the pool. Workers were later seen treating the water with chemicals and carrying out cleaning operations.
Read More: Trump Struggles to Fasten Medal of Honor During White House Event
In a post on social media, Trump said the Reflecting Pool had been damaged by vandals. He claimed that people had destroyed grass around the pool and damaged its newly installed interior surface. Trump later stated that US Park Police had arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing the national monument.
Authorities including the US Park Police, National Park Service and Interior Department have not publicly released details about the alleged vandalism or the arrests.
One of the people arrested was 67-year-old David Hearn of Bethesda, Maryland. Hearn told media outlets that he stopped at the Reflecting Pool during a long bicycle ride and touched a peeling section of the new coating out of curiosity. According to Hearn, he briefly examined the material before being told by a park worker to stop. He said he was then detained by National Guard troops and Park Police for around five hours before being released.
Hearn stated that he has been ordered to appear in court next month and is seeking legal assistance.
Trump has also suggested that individuals may have used chemicals to damage the pool, comparing the situation to a separate incident involving markings found on grass near the National Mall. Authorities are investigating that case as well.
Despite the arrests, questions remain about the condition of the Reflecting Pool. Large areas of peeling blue coating and green algae-filled water have continued to attract public attention and media coverage. Trump acknowledged that further repairs will be required and said contractors may need to drain a large portion of the pool to complete the work.
Officials are expected to continue investigating both the alleged vandalism and the construction issues affecting the newly renovated Reflecting Pool.
English
