President Trump Attributes Reflecting Pool Issues to Vandalism

President Donald Trump has attributed recent problems at the Reflecting Pool, which recently underwent a $14 million refurbishment, to vandalism. The pool's water turned green due to algae, and sections of the new surface coating have begun to peel off. Trump stated on Truth Social that unnamed individuals have damaged the pool's surface, claiming an ABC News reporter, Jonathan Karl, was seen attempting to remove material from the pool. He mentioned that law enforcement is investigating the matter and noted that the algae problem is mostly resolved. The Reflecting Pool, located in front of the Lincoln Memorial, was renovated after Trump criticized its previous condition. Following the renovation, visitors reported an increase in algae, with the water showing more algae than at any recorded point in June over the past five years, according to an analysis from The Washington Post. Workers have been deployed to clean the pool, using hydrogen peroxide as a treatment, which has raised phosphate levels in the water. The administration has prioritized the cleanup ahead of the July 4 celebrations.