Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained and will be ‘put back into service soon’
Trump Says Reflecting Pool Drained for Repairs
Water Feature Emptied Amid Vandalism Claims
Trump says Reflecting Pool has been emptied to allow for essential maintenance work. President Donald Trump announced Monday that the historic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained so repairs can proceed. He stated the water feature “will be refilled and put back into service soon” once the necessary work finishes. This announcement follows ongoing debate about the pool’s condition, with Trump reiterating his position that vandals damaged the protective lining.
CNN reporters noted that much of the water had already been removed, revealing dried sediment, algae patches, and debris on the pool floor. The landmark, recently renovated and painted what Trump called “American flag blue,” displayed visible signs of wear. The renovation project, launched in April with a budget surpassing $14 million, has encountered multiple obstacles. During this period, the pool experienced significant algae growth, developed a greenish coloration, suffered from a deteriorating bottom, and became central to vandalism accusations.
“We drained the beautiful ‘Reflecting Pool’ today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday evening.
The president elaborated on his claims about intentional damage in the same post. “The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs,” Trump explained. This measurement represents a notable expansion from his previous statements. He initially described the damage as a 250-foot cut, then revised it to “numerous slashes over a very long 350 foot length.” His current figure of 300 yards—roughly 900 feet or three football fields—stands as his most ambitious claim yet.
Investigation and Official Statements Continue
A CNN team visited the Reflecting Pool Monday afternoon to evaluate conditions directly. While they did not spot clear evidence of the extensive gashes Trump described in the new lining, their inspection capabilities were constrained. Fencing around much of the landmark restricted access to the full pool length. CNN reached out to several federal organizations, including the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, and the US Park Police, to learn whether any proof of lining damage emerged now that most water was removed.
“The Parks Department had to empty the water in order to fix the water tight basin,” the president said Monday night. “It will be refilled and put back into service soon. These Country hating sleazebags should pay a big price for the damage done.”
Later Monday evening, Trump shared additional thoughts criticizing media coverage of the pool. He maintained that the lining “was slashed with a knife, or a box cutter” and went further to suggest that even the algae blooms were “caused by vandals.” These assertions have added to what observers call a difficult phase for Trump’s DC beautification program.
Legal developments have unfolded recently, with at least three people now facing charges for property destruction. These individuals supposedly removed sections of blue paint from the pool’s surface and have all entered not guilty pleas. David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist also indicted on the same charge, pleaded not guilty last week as well.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum offered more details during a July 5 CNN “State of the Union” interview. Burgum said the government could “absolutely” prove vandals caused the damage, pointing to photographic documentation. However, when questioned whether those images captured anyone actively harming the pool, Burgum gave a somewhat noncommittal answer. In a separate podcast appearance last week, Burgum mentioned that crews began draining the pool after the July Fourth fireworks, noting that fireworks remnants were still visible in the water then.
The Reflecting Pool remains one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks while continuing to generate both aesthetic and political conversation. As repair work advances and investigations proceed, the results of these efforts will likely influence public perception of the project’s success.
