By July 14, 2026 / 8:17 AM EDT / CBS News

Washington—President Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was emptied for repairs following alleged vandalism. He stated, “We drained the beautiful ‘Reflecting Pool’ today to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago,” on Truth social.

The Parks Department removed the water to repair the basin. Trump assured that the pool would be refilled soon.

The renovation effort, part of projects for the U.S.’s 250th birthday, encountered challenges this summer. Algae growth turned the water bright green, and rips appeared in the new surface.

A partially drained Reflecting Pool was seen on July 13, 2026, in Washington, as captured by Jose Luis Magana/AP.

According to the National Park Service, a sharp knife caused the damage. The president attributed the peeling surface to vandals. Evidence details from the National Park Service remain unclear.

Several arrests occurred for the alleged vandalism. U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to charges of damaging the pool. He claimed he stopped by during a bike ride, touching the material briefly out of interest.

Trump emphasized that those responsible should “pay a big price for the damage done.” He described the damage, stating, “slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs.” The administration postponed repairs until after July 4th.

In late June, CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe asked Trump for evidence of his claims. The president replied, “You’ll see it in court. All you have to do is call the Parks Department, call the Department of Interior.”