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Trump Says Reflecting Pool Repairs May Require Draining After Sealant Peels

Trump said multiple arrests followed alleged sabotage of the newly renovated pool, and officials are weighing whether draining it is needed for repairs.

  • President Donald Trump used Truth Social to blame vandals for damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, claiming multiple arrests were made and stating the water may need draining for repairs.
  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been beset by algae blooms within days of refilling, while a recently applied American flag blue sealant began peeling off in visible chunks earlier this week.
  • Olympian David Hearn was arrested after touching detached coating, telling CNN he "didn't destroy, break, or peel anything" and that the material was already detached from the pool floor.
  • Trump alleged vandals poured corrosive chemicals and cut a 250 foot gash into the Reflecting Pool, though federal authorities have not publicly provided details confirming the full scope of his claims.
  • These setbacks threaten the $14 million renovation project, which is part of a broader beautification effort in Washington for the country's 250th anniversary as cleanup efforts continue.
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Lean Left

Blue-green, scaly and infested with algae: the water mirror of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington doesn't end with Trump's project.

·Montreal, Canada
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Lean Left

The multi-million dollar renovation of the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington has stirred up emotions after the water was stained green by algae. Now the pool will be drained and repaired – again, the US president announced on social media. As recently as this weekend, several people were arrested at the pool.

·Stockholm, Sweden
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  • 41% of the sources are Center
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RTÉ broke the news in Ireland on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
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