CA, US & World
Trump Blames Vandalism as Reflecting Pool Repairs Resume
New trouble is bubbling up at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Just weeks after a $14 million renovation, crews with the National Park Service are back at work fixing algae blooms and peeling paint at the iconic Washington landmark.
President Donald Trump says repairs will begin immediately and is blaming vandalism for the damage, though no evidence has been publicly provided.
The controversy intensified after David Hearn was arrested last week and charged with destruction of government property after touching loose paint in the water. Hearn denies causing any damage.
The reflecting pool’s maintenance has been a challenge for decades, but the latest renovation was part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Trump had praised the newly painted dark blue base, calling it “American flag blue.” But shortly after reopening, summer heat fueled algae growth, turning the water green. Workers then treated the pool with hydrogen peroxide, only for the fresh paint to begin peeling.
Now officials are racing for a fix, with the clock ticking toward the Fourth of July, and the nation’s mirror-pool looking a little less mirror, a little more paint-chipped puzzle.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 22, 2026
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