Trump wants Reflecting Pool vandals prosecuted 'to the max', demands 'vandal proof' fix

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump demanded that people accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool be prosecuted "to the MAX" as the White House began searching for what he called a "vandal proof material."

His latest remarks further escalated his response to the alleged damage at the landmark. They also came after the Reflecting Pool was emptied so repairs could be carried out following multiple arrests tied to the case.

Trump demands maximum prosecution

Trump announced the new push on Friday, July 17, in a Truth Social post, where he described the damage in stark terms while revealing the White House's latest step.

"The Reflecting Pool, so badly damaged by Deranged Vandals, has been emptied as the massive slash gets repaired. We got it through the great July Fourth Weekend. What kind of animals would do such a thing?" Trump wrote.

He then said officials were exploring ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"We are looking for a Vandal Proof material, but such a thing should not have been necessary," Trump added. "The S**m in Court will hopefully be prosecuted to the MAX."

Trump had already addressed the alleged vandalism in late June, when he claimed those responsible "took some form of knife or blade, and put a 250-foot-long gash into the beautiful facade of what took so much work, competence, and money to build and complete."

He also alleged that "they also poured corrosive and destructive chemicals into the pool."

Reflecting Pool repairs follow alleged vandalism

The Reflecting Pool restoration was ordered by Trump earlier this year as part of his effort to refurbish Washington landmarks before the nation's 250th anniversary.

The project later encountered problems after an algae bloom developed, and sections of the newly applied blue coating began peeling from the bottom of the basin, as per Fox News.

According to court documents, the US Park Police responded to reports of damage at the Reflecting Pool on June 9.

Investigators said caulk had been spread over foam sealant that had been cut with a "sharp knife or razor," the newly applied surface coating had been damaged, and about 70 fence post caps had been thrown into the water.

Canoeist denies damaging Reflecting Pool

One of the highest-profile cases linked to the investigation involves former US Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was indicted on a felony destruction of property charge after his arrest in connection with a June 19 incident at the landmark.

Hearn has denied damaging the Reflecting Pool. He said he stopped during a bike ride and touched a loose piece of the peeling blue coating "to satisfy my curiosity as a citizen."

The 67-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the charge.