Trump Addresses Damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that the White House is seeking “vandal-proof materials” following reports of damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, D.C.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump spoke out about the situation, saying, “The reflecting pool, badly damaged by a deranged vandal, has been emptied as a massive cut is repaired. We made it through a great July 4th weekend. What kind of animal would do something like that?”
He continued, stating, “We’re looking for anti-vandalism materials, but that shouldn’t have been necessary. We want the scumbags in court to be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
There have been several arrests related to the alleged vandalism. In late June, Trump pointed out that “they used some type of knife or blade to cut a 250-foot long gash into this beautiful facade that took so much effort and skill and money to build and complete,” and added that corrosive chemicals were poured into the pool.
Restoration Efforts Interrupted
As part of efforts to restore the Reflecting Pool ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, President Trump ordered a renovation this year. Unfortunately, issues arose with algae blooms and some new blue coating started peeling off the pool.
According to court documents, U.S. Park Police received a report about the damage on June 9. Investigators revealed that caulk had been spread over the foam sealant, which was cut with a “sharp knife or razor,” damaging the new surface coating. Additionally, about 70 fence post caps were found thrown into the pool.
David Hahn, a former U.S. Olympic canoeist, has been charged with felony criminal damage to property in connection with the incident on June 19. He claims he was merely riding his bike nearby and touched a patch of peeling blue coating out of curiosity.
Legal Proceedings
Hahn, who is 67, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, stating he did not intentionally damage the reflecting pool.
