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PoliticsTrump repeats unsubstantiated claims Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalized
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President Donald Trump on Monday night reiterated his administration's unsubstantiated claims that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's floor was slashed by 'vandals,' as the pool was drained for repairs for the third time in months. In posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed the pool had to be drained to fix 'scars and damage' caused by alleged vandals who made '300 yards long' slashes and pulled the floor upward with 'great force.' He provided no evidence. Trump also lashed out at ABC News and anchor David Muir for reporting that the pool was drained due to 'peeling paint' and algae blooms, insisting the damage was caused by a 'knife, or box cutter.' The pool has faced recurring algae and maintenance issues for years. A former Olympian has been accused of vandalizing the pool and pleaded not guilty.
Source report
Topline
President Donald Trump on Monday night referenced the draining of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool—as photos of the drained pool emerged—while criticizing reporting about peeling paint from its surface. He also reiterated his administration's claims that the pool's floor had been slashed by "vandals."
Key Facts
- In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated the pool was drained on Monday and claimed it was necessary to "fix the scars and damage" caused by alleged "vandals," though no such evidence has been made public.
- The president wanted the repair work to wait until after the July 4th weekend.
- Trump said the pool had to be drained to repair the "water tight basin" and that it will be "refilled and put back into service soon."
- The president claimed the purported "vandals" made slashes 300 yards long and then pulled the pool floor upward with "great force."
- Trump doubled down on calling for people to be punished for the damage to the pool.
What Did Trump Say About ABC's Reporting of the Pool?
In a follow-up post an hour later, the president lashed out at ABC News and anchor David Muir's coverage of the pool being drained for repairs. Trump insisted there was no "peeling paint" but rather a "high-grade colored waterproofing liner" that was slashed by either a "knife, or box cutter." The president's post again included no evidence to support his claims of vandalism.
Trump also blamed the recurrence of "Algae Blooms" in the pool on these purported "vandals," although it remains unclear how individuals could be responsible for a recurring issue that has plagued the pool for years. Trump has been engaged in a feud with ABC and its news division for several years and has repeatedly touted his $16 million 2024 settlement in a defamation case he filed against the network.
Tangent
The reflecting pool received only a brief mention from Muir on Monday's broadcast of "ABC World News Tonight." Muir noted that the pool was drained again on Monday, marking the second time this has happened in recent months. "Crews addressing several issues, including peeling paint and algae blooms," he said.
Further Reading
- Reflecting Pool—Still Green—Drained For A Third Time As Renovation Drags On (Forbes)
- Former Olympian Accused Of Vandalizing Reflecting Pool Pleads Not Guilty (Forbes)
Source
Forbes - BusinessWestern
Part of this Story
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation Vandalism and Controversy