Interior Secretary Doug Burgum engaged in a discussion with CNN's Dana Bash regarding damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. during an interview on July 5, 2026. Burgum asserted that officials can demonstrate that vandals cut the newly installed liner after Bash questioned the integrity of the Trump administration’s renovation work ahead of the Fourth of July celebration.
Bash inquired if Burgum was certain that vandalism caused the damage and if he could provide evidence. Burgum responded affirmatively, stating that photographs would be available as the pool is drained. He explained that the material used in the pool is a strong industrial liner, similar to those used in pickup truck beds, which would not easily peel off.
Burgum indicated that the damage pattern suggested it was intentionally cut, stating, "The only way you can end up with actual slices in one spot and not the other is that someone physically cut it." He noted that the pool had previously leaked tens of thousands of gallons of water daily but had since been repaired.
Bash pointed out that the Reflecting Pool was closed during the Fourth of July celebration, to which Burgum clarified that this was a standard safety measure due to the surrounding fireworks display. He also addressed concerns regarding the potential damage from President Donald Trump’s motorcade, stating that it did not cause any harm as the vehicle used was a Cadillac Escalade, not the presidential limousine.
Burgum confirmed that the same company responsible for the initial repairs would be contracted again to address the vandalism, estimating that the repair costs could reach tens of thousands of dollars. The Associated Press reported that the pool would need to be partially drained for repairs, and that specific contracts had been awarded for related work.