'The story was fake news’: Trump unloads on David Muir as Reflecting Pool is drained again

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Monday, July 13, that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained to repair damage he attributed to recent vandalism, while also sharply criticizing ABC News anchor David Muir over the network's reporting on the project. 

Trump disputed reports that the work was related to peeling liner and algae, insisting the repairs were prompted by deliberate damage to the pool. His remarks come as the administration continues work on the landmark and renews criticism of media coverage surrounding the renovation.

Trump says Reflecting Pool repairs follow alleged vandalism

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said the National Park Service drained the Reflecting Pool after what he described as extensive vandalism damaged its waterproof lining.

"We drained the beautiful 'Reflecting Pool' today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago. We wanted to wait until after the July 4th Weekend," Trump wrote.

Trump said the damage stretched for hundreds of yards across the basin. "The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs. It will be refilled and put back into service soon."

Trump added that those responsible should face significant consequences, writing, "these Country hating sleazebags should pay a big price for the damage done. Make America great again!" 

The Reflecting Pool underwent a $14 million renovation earlier this year as part of a broader effort to refurbish monuments and public spaces in Washington. The project later drew attention after sections of the newly installed liner appeared to peel while algae spread across parts of the pool.

Trump targets Muir, renews criticism of network's reporting

Trump also directed criticism at ABC News and anchor David Muir, accusing the network of misrepresenting why the Reflecting Pool had been drained.

"ABC Fake News and its shaky anchor, David Muir, said that the Reflecting Pool was drained to address Peeling Paint (there is no paint, it was slashed with a knife, or box cutter, high grade colored waterproofing liner - it was VANDALISM!) and Algae Blooms (also caused by Vandals, but removed long ago!)"

Trump debunked the claims, adding, "In other words, the story was FAKE NEWS, but heavily slanted away from the real cause of the problem, Vandalism. It will be fixed soon, and better than ever."

The dispute follows earlier coverage by the outlet, highlighting algae growth and sections of the liner lifting from the bottom of the pool after the renovation. During one June report, Correspondent Jonathan Karl referenced the project's cost while showing portions of the liner that had come loose.

Trump has repeatedly challenged those reports, last month, he also threatened legal action against the network, accusing it of false reporting over the Reflecting Pool project and contrasting his administration's renovation with work completed under previous administrations.