Kaitlan Collins confronts Trump's Reflecting Pool vandalism claim with his own past remarks
WASHINGTON, DC: CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins has raised questions about President Donald Trump's explanation for the troubled renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, highlighting a contradiction between his recent claims and remarks he made weeks earlier about the project.
The issue drew renewed attention after Trump insisted that vandals were responsible for damaging the Reflecting Pool's newly installed lining. Collins used the president's own comments to challenge that explanation, noting that he had previously described the material as nearly impossible to cut.
Kaitlan Collins points to Trump's own words on Reflecting Pool lining
During her CNN segment, Collins played a clip of Trump discussing the alleged vandalism.
According to the president, somebody "went in with a knife and cut it." Trump added, "They cut it up good. And then they cut it 200, 350-foot slips in the form of lots of little slips, a real horrible stuff."
Collins then contrasted those remarks with comments Trump made on May 4 while praising the renovation work. At the time, he described the new liner as exceptionally durable and resistant to damage.
“This will last for at least 50 years," Trump said. "You'll never have a leak. It's very strong. You couldn't, if you had a knife - I don't want to give anybody ideas - if you had a knife, you can't even cut it. So strong, so powerful, it's like powerful rubber. It is beautiful. Sealed."
Collins noted that Trump has not provided photographs or video evidence supporting his claim that the lining was cut by vandals.
Trump blames sabotage as Reflecting Pool problems continue
The controversy comes as the Reflecting Pool, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the National Mall, continues to face problems despite a renovation that reportedly cost taxpayers $16 million.
Trump has increasingly framed the situation as an act of sabotage.
Collins observed that the president has spent considerable time posting about the Reflecting Pool this week, even as major international developments, including Iran, dominated headlines.
In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Trump claimed that authorities had taken action against those responsible for the damage.
He wrote that six people had been arrested and seven others cited "for the damage they did to our Country's now beautiful Reflecting Pool.”
White House defends vandalism claims amid growing scrutiny
The White House has stood firmly behind the president's account of events.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Monday that six arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
She insisted that "the vandalism is very real" and described the alleged offenders as "deranged individuals" who are "longtime donors" to Democrats.
Meanwhile, images from the site have fueled further criticism of the renovation project.
Trump had previously celebrated the Reflecting Pool's new "American flag blue" appearance, but the water later turned murky green because of algae growth.
Trump had previously celebrated the Reflecting Pool's new "American flag blue" appearance, but the water later turned murky green because of algae growth.
Workers have since been photographed adding chemicals to the pool in an effort to control the bloom and restore the water's appearance.
Dead ducks add to questions surrounding Reflecting Pool project
The environmental impact of the situation has also attracted attention.
A dead duckling was reportedly spotted floating in the green water on Sunday.
Two additional dead ducks, one adult and one juvenile, were also found the same day at a pond in Constitution Gardens, located roughly 250 feet from the Reflecting Pool.
Adding to the unusual scene, National Guard troops have been stationed around the landmark and are reportedly patrolling the area for potential vandals.
As questions continue over what caused the damage, Collins' segment has amplified scrutiny of the president's explanation by focusing on the contrast between his recent allegations and his earlier assurances about the durability of the Reflecting Pool liner.
