President Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington will likely be drained for repairs after algae blooms and peeling paint marred a renovation project costing up to $14.2 million. The work was intended for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations next month. Trump stated that following a meeting with contractors, much of the water would probably be released to complete necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
The president attributed the problems to disgraceful vandalism, claiming on Truth Social that individuals slashed the pool's lining and poured chemicals into the water. Trump asserted that multiple people have been arrested in connection with these alleged acts, including an Olympic canoeist.
While Trump blames vandalism for the current state of the pool, some observers have attributed the issues to shoddy workmanship. Trump has taken no responsibility for these observations and has provided no evidence for his claims of vandalism.