The recently renovated reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial faces scrutiny after vandals reportedly damaged it, and algae appeared shortly after its completion. President Donald Trump addressed these concerns, noting that authorities are investigating the incident.
Trump highlighted that Washington, D.C., now ranks among the safest cities in the U.S. He commented on Truth Social about vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, situated between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
A National Park Service employee was seen using a vacuum to clean the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump stated that vandals damaged the grounds around the pool, allegedly using chemicals to harm the newly installed surface. This incident mirrored previous cases involving chemicals used on the National Mall.
Approximately a week earlier, a message ’86 47′ appeared etched into the grass near the National Mall, raising concerns. Administration officials suggested the message holds a threatening connotation, with ’86’ sometimes indicating removal and ’47’ referring to Trump as the 47th president.
Despite the recent $14.8 million restoration, algae began to grow, covering parts of the newly restored ‘American flag blue’ bottom. The National Park Service responded by deploying chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to mitigate the algae growth. Workers used a vacuum system to remove algae, ensuring no harm to marine life or the environment.
Trump assured that 75% of the algae had been removed and repairs for vandalized areas would be completed the following week. Law enforcement remains active in investigating the vandalism.
Images and videos on social media showed National Guard personnel and U.S. Park Police patrolling the area. Some people gathered near the Reflecting Pool to voice criticism of the renovation project and to comment on the algae growth.