President Trump addressed recent issues with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, distancing himself from the problems. He stated that the algae blooms and peeling polyurethane in the water were not related to the $16.4 million renovation he ordered.

Algae Blooms and Peeling Polyurethane

Speaking on Monday, Trump attributed the problems to alleged acts of vandalism. He mentioned that reports had surfaced about vandals using knives and possibly adding fertilizer to the pool’s water. According to Trump, this led to the current state of the landmark.

“They put, somebody said, fertilizer in the water,” Trump stated. “If you put fertilizer in the water, you get algae. But somebody said they might have put fertilizer. They did something to create the algae.”

Regarding the polyurethane strips found in the pool, he suggested they were damaged by someone using “probably a box cutter or a knife of some kind.” Trump expressed his inability to control the actions of those responsible for the damage.

Investigation and Accountability

Katie Martin, a spokesperson for the Interior Department, confirmed via email that five individuals were arrested for vandalism, while an additional five received citations. The National Park Service, which falls under the department’s jurisdiction, is continuing its investigation into the incidents.

The reflecting pool has long been plagued by maintenance issues. The recent concerns highlight the challenges of preserving historic landmarks while balancing renovations.