President Donald Trump provided an update on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 20, 2026, stating that many additional arrests had been made for vandalism. This announcement followed the arrest of David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympian and cyclist, who was charged with misdemeanor destruction of government property. Hearn is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 9.
Trump mentioned that contractors had been consulted and that it may be necessary to drain much of the water from the pool to carry out repairs. The Reflecting Pool has been under scrutiny due to issues with its maintenance, including the algae growth that has turned the water green and paint peeling from the bottom, which was originally repainted in a shade referred to as "American flag blue."
Hearn denied causing any damage, stating he only touched the already peeling liner. Trump also referenced damage to the grass in front of the memorial and the introduction of harmful chemicals into the pool. The memorial had previously been vandalized with graffiti in April. Trump expressed pride in the restoration efforts and commitment to repairing the structure promptly.