Trump blames ‘vandalism’ for Reflecting Pool damage, as algae and peeling issues persist
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Friday, June 19, that recent problems affecting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were the result of vandalism and that law enforcement authorities are investigating the matter. The comments came as officials continue efforts to address algae growth and peeling material at the recently renovated landmark.
The Reflecting Pool has drawn attention in recent days after visitors reported sections of the newly installed surface peeling away and the water developing a green hue from algae. Trump said repairs are already underway and expressed confidence that the issues will soon be resolved.
Trump attributes Reflecting Pool damage to vandalism
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted a series of renovation and beautification projects completed across Washington and pointed to the Reflecting Pool as one of the administration's recent restoration efforts.
“We’ve had some real problems with Vandalism at the beautiful Reflecting Pool, which sits between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial,” Trump wrote.
We’ve cleaned, renovated, and beautified over 45 Monuments and Memorials, 28 Statues, and 22 Fountains in Washington, D.C. Things are really looking good in our Nation’s Capital, and add to that the fact that when I became President, Crime was rampant, and now, Washington, D.C.,… pic.twitter.com/Og32Ep0obe
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) June 20, 2026
The president claimed that damage had been caused both to the grounds surrounding the pool and to its newly installed interior surface. He also linked the issue to a separate incident involving markings that recently appeared on the National Mall.
“Just like three days ago, they destroyed the grass outside of the Pool, they’ve also done everything possible to hurt the inside surface that was just installed,” Trump said. “No different than the chemicals that were used on the National Mall, they used something similar in the Reflecting Pool to try to destroy and demean our beautiful work.”
Trump further stated that law enforcement agencies were investigating. “The algae is 75% gone, and the condition will soon be completely remedied. The area that was vandalized, fortunately, is just a small area of damage and will be fixed early next week,” he wrote. “Law enforcement is actively investigating this situation and will hopefully have it resolved soon.”
ABC News' Jonathan Karl reports from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool where workers continue to battle algae – and the new paint job appears to be falling apart.
— ABC News (@ABC) June 18, 2026
The Department of Interior did not immediately respond to a request for comment. https://t.co/7TzBngVdyc pic.twitter.com/cBGbThipua
The president also referenced ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl, alleging that he had been seen interacting with the pool while reporting on its condition.
Algae growth and peeling surface draw scrutiny after renovation
Trump's comments came as attention remains focused on the Reflecting Pool following the completion of a renovation project valued at nearly $15 million.
The work included repainting the basin and upgrading systems designed to improve water quality ahead of events connected to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. However, shortly after the pool was refilled, algae growth became visible, giving the water a green appearance rather than the intended blue color.
Visitors also reported seeing portions of the pool's surface material peeling away. Images and videos circulated online showing loose fragments in the water, with some visitors reportedly removing pieces of the material.
Officials have previously described the algae growth as part of a startup process associated with refilling the pool and restarting water circulation systems. Maintenance crews have continued treatment efforts, including filtration and water-quality measures, to restore the pool's appearance.
