Trump Addresses Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Damage and Repairs

By July 14, 2026, President Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been drained to address damages he attributed to vandalism. This statement came after weeks of his expressing frustration over the alleged actions. The repair work is part of a broader renovation plan launched in April, ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained that the Parks Department needed to empty the pool to repair its watertight basin. He assured that the pool would be refilled and restored to service promptly.

Earlier efforts to renovate the Reflecting Pool encountered issues such as algae turning the water fluorescent green and tears in the newly renovated surface. The National Park Service reported last month that the damage was inflicted by sharp objects. Yet, it remains unclear what evidence they possess to support the claim. Several individuals have been arrested for suspected vandalism related to the pool.

One high-profile case involves U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn. He was charged after allegedly removing part of the pool’s sealant. Hearn, who was on a 64-mile bike ride, pleaded not guilty, claiming he briefly touched the material out of curiosity.

President Trump emphasized that those responsible should face severe consequences. He described the vandalism as involving slashes spanning 300 yards and the pool’s floor being severed and uplifted.

The president mentioned that repairs started after the July 4th holiday to avoid inconveniences during celebrations. CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe questioned Trump in June about the evidence of his allegations. Trump responded that the evidence would surface in court. He advised contacting the Parks Department or the Department of Interior for further details.