Six Arrested in Connection with Damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

President Donald Trump announced on June 23, 2026, that six individuals have been arrested for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump claimed that there was a significant gash in the paint, although he did not provide supporting evidence for this assertion. The federal government is reportedly preparing to release images to substantiate his claims of vandalism. The Reflecting Pool has faced issues since a $14 million rehabilitation project, which aimed to enhance its appearance ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, was completed. The pool has experienced algae blooms and peeling paint, which Trump has attributed to vandalism. However, one arrest was confirmed for an individual who touched the peeling paint. The U.S. Park Police and the Interior Department have not commented on the arrests or the claims of vandalism. Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the contractor for the project, stated that only a small portion of the pool requires repairs and that the issues do not indicate a failure of the liner. The company plans to address the repairs once the pool is drained. Security measures are being increased in the capital as the anniversary celebrations approach.