Donald Trump Claims Reflecting Pool Requires Repairs, Points Finger at 'Terrible Vandals'
President Donald Trump has stated that the recently refurbished Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool may need to be drained for additional repairs, citing damage caused by "terrible vandals". Trump blamed the vandalism for the damage, saying it is an affront to Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
The president claimed that multiple individuals have been arrested in connection to the vandalism, which includes the use of corrosive chemicals and a large gash in the pool's surface. Photos and videos have shown blue paint peeling away from the pool's surface, amid an algae bloom.
Trump met with contractors and announced that repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. The additional work comes two weeks after the president declared the project finished, part of an effort to renovate the landmark ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.
The Reflecting Pool project, which began in April, has been controversial due to its $16 million cost and the decision to paint the bottom of the pool "American Flag Blue". Algae growth has been a recurring issue at the pool for decades, prompting complaints about leaks and cleanliness.
The president claimed that multiple individuals have been arrested in connection to the vandalism, which includes the use of corrosive chemicals and a large gash in the pool's surface. Photos and videos have shown blue paint peeling away from the pool's surface, amid an algae bloom.
Trump met with contractors and announced that repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. The additional work comes two weeks after the president declared the project finished, part of an effort to renovate the landmark ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.
The Reflecting Pool project, which began in April, has been controversial due to its $16 million cost and the decision to paint the bottom of the pool "American Flag Blue". Algae growth has been a recurring issue at the pool for decades, prompting complaints about leaks and cleanliness.
News, Global