Trump says Reflecting Pool 'in full use', blames 'leftist animals' for algae and damage

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump, on Sunday, June 28, declared that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is once again "in full use" after personally touring Washington, DC's monuments and public spaces, while accusing what he described as "Criminal, Radical Left Vandals" of deliberately damaging the landmark following its recent renovation.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump insisted that the pool had finally been repaired after decades of problems, arguing that acts of vandalism, not construction flaws, were responsible for the latest setbacks that drew national attention.

Trump blasts 'leftist vandals'

Sharing details from his visit, Trump said the Reflecting Pool had been restored and was operating properly until, according to him, vandals intentionally destroyed portions of its newly installed protective lining.

"The Reflecting Pool is now in full use after suffering great damage from Criminal, Radical Left Vandals, people that truly hate our Country," Trump wrote.

According to the president, those responsible sliced through the expensive waterproof membrane beneath the pool before tearing sections of it apart by hand.

"They cut the lower surface of a very expensive and strong waterproof padding, in the color of American Flag Blue, and put their hands underneath the surface, and ripped it," he said.

Trump further alleged that the vandals carved "a 350 foot long strip" into the liner, along with dozens of additional cuts measuring one to two feet each.

He argued the pool had been "100% free of leaks" only a week earlier and claimed the recent damage had nothing to do with the renovation work itself.

Trump claims 'criminally made algae is gone'

Trump also addressed widespread criticism surrounding algae that appeared in the newly renovated pool, insisting the issue had now been resolved.

"In the meantime, it is working well, the criminally made algae is gone, and the grass, which was destroyed, is being replaced shortly," he wrote.

He said the pool would be drained shortly after the Fourth of July so crews could permanently repair the liner vandalized by 'animals' before returning it to what he described as "perfect shape."

The Reflecting Pool recently underwent a renovation project valued at roughly $14 million, attracting significant public attention after paint deterioration and algae buildup emerged soon after work was completed.

While critics questioned the quality of the project, Trump argued the problems stemmed from deliberate sabotage rather than construction failures.

Trump praises restoration across Washington

Beyond the Reflecting Pool, Trump said his inspection covered numerous statues, monuments and fountains throughout the nation's capital.

He claimed many of the city's historic landmarks had suffered years of neglect, graffiti and vandalism before being restored under his administration.

"Almost all of the Statues, Monuments, and Fountains have been completely renovated and restored... They are truly beautiful, even nicer than the day they were built," Trump wrote.

Trump said the most significant stop on Sunday's tour involved East Potomac Golf Links, which he described as dangerously outdated and in poor condition.

He also praised the restoration work at Lafayette Park, saying it had not looked as good "since its inception in 1820."

Accompanied by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and his son Gavin, Trump said officials concluded the site could be transformed into one of the world's premier public golf courses capable of hosting major championships.

He announced that construction is scheduled to begin on September 1 through the Department of the Interior.

Trump also pointed to broader improvements across Washington, citing reduced crime and restoration work at dozens of historic landmarks as evidence that the capital is undergoing a major revival under his administration.