President Trump Issues Warning Over National Mall Vandalism

On Monday, President Donald Trump addressed issues of vandalism at the National Mall, specifically referencing the numbers “8647” marked in the grass, as well as damage around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The “8647” imprint appeared on June 11. Authorities responded to initial reports of the numbers in the browned grass and launched an investigation into the matter. Issues with the reflecting pool arose shortly after its reopening in early June, following a renovation costing over $14 million. Algae blooms and peeling blue paint appeared within days. Officials are actively investigating these acts of vandalism and have started making arrests related to activities around the pool.

In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump declared that federal authorities would impose severe penalties for such “destruction.” He stated, “Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!” Trump continued, “It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!). 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! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment. This is a developing story, with updates to follow.