Trump suggests unusual penalty for alleged vandals behind Lincoln Reflecting Pool damage

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has issued a fresh update on the ongoing repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, while once again blaming alleged vandals for the problems that have plagued the landmark following its recent renovation.

Posting on Truth Social late Monday, July 14, Trump said work is underway to repair what he described as damage caused by individuals who deliberately targeted the pool. The president also suggested those responsible should face significant consequences.

Trump says repairs are underway at Reflecting Pool

In his social media update, Trump said the National Park Service had drained the Reflecting Pool again to address damage he believes was intentionally caused.

"We drained the beautiful 'Reflecting Pool' today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago," Trump wrote.

According to the president, officials waited until after the July 4 holiday weekend before beginning the latest round of work.

“We wanted to wait until after the July 4th Weekend. The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs," he added.

Trump also said the pool would eventually be returned to service after repairs are completed.

"The Parks Department had to empty the water in order to fix the water tight basin. It will be refilled and put back into service soon."

Donald Trump vows vandals will face consequences

The strongest part of Trump's statement focused on the people he believes damaged the landmark.

"These Country hating sleazebags should pay a big price for the damage done," he wrote.

Trump has repeatedly argued that the issues affecting the Reflecting Pool were caused by outside actors rather than problems with the renovation itself.

In previous remarks, he claimed individuals used a blade to damage the pool's lining and suggested that other actions may have contributed to the deterioration of the site.

The president has also pointed to the legal consequences associated with damaging federal property, noting that several arrests have already been made in connection with incidents at the monument.

Reflecting Pool makeover became a major controversy

The controversy began after the Reflecting Pool underwent a costly makeover that included a new ‘American Flag Blue’ sealant.

However, problems emerged shortly after the pool was refilled. The sealant reportedly began peeling away from the bottom, while algae growth later caused the water to turn green.

As criticism mounted, attention shifted toward determining whether the problems stemmed from vandalism, construction issues or a combination of both.

Court records later revealed that the National Park Service had reported an incident involving damage to the pool's lining.

Several individuals have since faced charges connected to alleged incidents at the site, with those accused entering not guilty pleas.

The Reflecting Pool remained closed during Trump's Fourth of July celebrations and has since been drained again as restoration work continues.

Fences have been erected around the landmark and security measures have been increased to prevent further incidents while repairs are underway.