Trump repeats Reflecting Pool ‘vandalism’ claims without evidence

US President Donald Trump on Monday repeated allegations that the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been deliberately damaged, claiming a long cut had been made in its lining. Speaking to reporters, Trump described a “350-foot slit” allegedly created with a knife or box cutter. “I saw it. They cut it. They cut it very violently,” he said. When pressed for photographic or video evidence, the president did not provide documentation and instead referred reporters to federal agencies.

Lack of visible damage

Journalists who visited the site reported no visible evidence of a slit. The pool, renovated at a cost of approximately $16 million, has recently faced issues including algae buildup and peeling paint. Trump suggested fertilizer may have been introduced into the water, contributing to the algae growth. He first raised the vandalism allegation over the weekend, initially describing a “250-foot-long gash.” Last month, he had claimed the pool’s lining was so durable that “if you had a knife, you can't even cut the Reflecting Pool.”

Arrests and investigation

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that six people were arrested in connection with incidents at the site and that 17 police reports had been filed. However, details about the nature of the vandalism and the evidence supporting the claims remain unclear. The National Park Service has not publicly confirmed the president’s allegations.