By June 22, 2026, Washington — President Trump announced that proof will be presented in court to support his claims regarding vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He asserts that vandals are responsible for a significant cut in the pool, which he believes explains the peeling paint on the recently renovated site. Despite a $14.7 million sealant project, the pool remains affected by algae.
During a discussion with Ed O’Keefe from CBS News, Mr. Trump argued that vandals, not poor workmanship, are to blame for ongoing issues at the Reflecting Pool. According to the president, vandals created a 350-foot cut spanning from the World War II Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial. To date, police have apprehended five individuals for acts of vandalism related to the pool, while another five received federal citations. However, neither the project’s company nor the U.S. Park Service has confirmed a cut as the cause for the peeling.
When questioned about proof of a knife-induced cut in the pool, Mr. Trump responded, “When you have a 350-foot slit from one end to the other, you think that’s proof?”
O’Keefe noted reporters found no physical evidence of a slit during a site visit. Mr. Trump encouraged inquiries to the Parks Department or Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for evidence, stating, “They cut it very violently.” He mentioned having pictures and assured evidence would emerge in court. “At the right time, you’ll see it,” he added.
President Trump also speculated that fertilizer might have been placed in the water, contributing to algae growth. “If you put fertilizer in the water, you get algae,” he remarked, without additional evidence.
CBS News has not yet received comments from the National Park Service or the Department of the Interior. Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the contractor behind the sealant, acknowledged “some areas” in need of repair but indicated this was not representative of a liner failure. Repairs will proceed once the pool is drained, as part of the warranty process, stated the company.