Trump threatens ABC News lawsuit over Reflecting Pool coverage: 'I like their money'
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has once again set his sights on a major media outlet, this time threatening legal action against ABC News over its reporting on alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The president's latest attack came on Monday, June 22, when he used Truth Social to accuse the network of unfair coverage while defending his administration's renovation efforts at the historic landmark.
In describing the Vandalism that took place at the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., ABC FAKE NEWS, one of the worst in the business, even paying me $16,000,000 for past bad and inaccurate reporting, failed to report that their close “friends,” Dumocrats Obama and Biden, spent… pic.twitter.com/XC8UDAvvaq
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) June 23, 2026
Trump blasts ABC over Reflecting Pool coverage
Trump's frustration centered on ABC News' coverage of recent issues at the Reflecting Pool, including reports about peeling paint and algae that surfaced after renovation work.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, the president accused the network of leaving out what he viewed as important context.
"In describing the Vandalism that took place at the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, ABC FAKE NEWS, one of the worst in the business, even paying me $16,000,000 for past bad and inaccurate reporting, failed to report that their close 'friends,' Dumocrats Obama and Biden, spent over 100 Million Dollars on the Reflecting Pool, and it never worked," Trump wrote.
He continued by criticizing previous administrations for the condition of the site. "In fact, it was rarely open due to leaks and 'stench.' They wanted to spend 300 to 400 Million Dollars, but just let it ROT."
The president argued that his administration completed the project for far less money and delivered better results.
Trump blames vandalism for Reflecting Pool damage
Trump also defended the renovation itself, saying recent problems stemmed from vandalism rather than construction issues. "I spent approximately 16 Million Dollars, and it came out great, except for the Vandalism, which we are now fixing," he wrote.
According to Trump, the work expanded beyond the original plans. "It was also a much bigger job than originally envisioned, including the outer areas and sidewalks."
His comments came as criticism continued to circulate regarding the condition of the landmark following cosmetic upgrades. ABC News reported that Trump had blamed the peeling paint on vandals but noted that he "provided no evidence of vandalism himself."
However, the network also cited a statement from an Interior Department spokesperson confirming law enforcement activity connected to vandalism incidents. "14 police reports have been filed for vandalism, including the crime described in the president's Truth Social post," the statement said.
"The US Park Police will continue to carry out their number one duty of upholding law and order in our nation's capital."
Trump prepares legal action against ABC News
The strongest part of Trump's message was his warning that legal action could soon follow. "We are preparing lawsuits against ABC for false reporting," he wrote. "I like their money, which will be given to the US Treasury!"
The threat adds another chapter to Trump's ongoing battles with news organizations he frequently accuses of biased coverage.
His criticism of ABC News has been particularly intense in recent years. Trump referenced the network's previous settlement with him while arguing that the outlet has repeatedly treated him unfairly.
The president has also publicly criticized ABC News personalities and coverage on multiple occasions, often using Truth Social to push back against stories with which he disagrees.
