The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington’s National Mall is being prepared to be drained once more — just weeks after a $14.7 million renovation project was completed — as President Donald Trump issues stern warnings to those accused of vandalizing the historic landmark.
According to Washington-based WTOP Radio, the DC Water authority has issued a permit to drain the 2,000-foot-long rectangular pool. The company that performed the renovation work says it will address the needed repairs under its warranty obligations.
Neither the National Park Service nor DC Water responded to requests for comment.
Peeling paint and algae growth became noticeable in the pool shortly after President Trump announced the renovation complete on June 6. Questions have been raised about the no-bid contract used to recoat the pool ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations scheduled for next month, along with concerns about the ducks that inhabit the water.
Trump has attributed the pool’s deteriorating condition to vandals, though he has not offered evidence to support that claim. On Monday, he reinforced a weekend threat made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to pursue criminal charges against those accused of attempting to damage the pool.
“Please remember that there is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things — Which will be fully enforced!” Trump stated in a social media post.
Trump indicated that multiple arrests have already taken place. Media reports citing an administration official say at least five individuals have been arrested — including a former Olympian who has publicly denied the accusations — while five others received citations. The U.S. Park Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the firm responsible for the renovation, released a statement Sunday saying the sections requiring repair represent “a very small part of the massive 7-acre project, and do not indicate a failure of the liner.”
