Vandals Target Renovated Reflecting Pool Near Lincoln Memorial
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that vandals have damaged the recently renovated reflecting pool near the Lincoln Memorial. The authorities are conducting an investigation into this incident.
Concerns have arisen about the reflecting pool following its $14.8 million restoration, which completed just weeks ago. Issues such as peeling paint and algae growth have been reported. Trump emphasized improvements in Washington, D.C., stating on Truth Social that the city is now one of the safest in the United States.
“However, we’ve encountered problems with vandalism at the beautiful Reflecting Pool between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial,” Trump continued.
National Guard members walk past a National Park Service employee using a vacuum to clean the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Friday, June 19, 2026, in Washington.
Trump accused vandals of damaging the pool’s surroundings and using chemicals to harm its newly installed surface. He likened this to the chemical attacks previously seen on the National Mall.
An incident of significance occurred when the numbers “86 47” appeared etched into the grass near the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. Administration officials interpreted this as threatening, as “86” can imply removal, and “47” alludes to Trump as the potential 47th president.
The restoration project at the reflecting pool completed on June 6. However, weeks later, algae spread across the pool, obscuring the “American flag blue” bottom surface.
The National Park Service employed chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to control the algae. Workers additionally used a vacuum system akin to those in swimming pools. The park service assured that these measures posed no environmental risks.
Trump informed that most of the algae is gone, with repairs to the vandalized area expected by next week. Images on social media revealed National Guard and U.S. Park Police presence at the site.
Social media footage showed individuals criticizing the renovation and celebrating algae growth near the Reflecting Pool. Law enforcement continues to investigate the vandalism.