Trump’s Allegations on Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Vandalism

By June 22, 2026, President Trump stated that evidence of vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool would be presented in court. He claimed that vandals caused a considerable slit leading to problems with the recently renovated pool, which has been plagued by algae.

During a conversation with CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe, Trump argued that the vandalism, not construction issues, was responsible for the ongoing challenges. The president alleged that a 350-foot slit was made between the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. U.S. Park Police reported five arrests and five federal citations related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool.

When asked for concrete proof, such as photos or videos, Trump highlighted the 350-foot slit as evidence. “When you have a 350-foot slit, you think that’s proof?” he asserted. O’Keefe remarked that reporters visiting the site found no slit evidence.

Trump responded, “Well, you’d have to go see the Parks Department. They’ll show it to you, or see the secretary, but I saw it. They cut it, they cut it very violently.”

Trump mentioned that pictures would be provided in time, “You’ll see it in court.” He advised contacting the Parks Department or Department of the Interior for further evidence.

The president also suggested that someone might have added fertilizer to the water, causing the algae. However, he provided no evidence to support this claim. CBS News has reached out to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior but received no response.

Atlantic Industrial Coatings, responsible for the sealant work, acknowledged minor repair needs. The company stated, “These areas are a very small part of the massive 7-acre project, and do not indicate a failure of the liner.” They plan to address the repairs once the pool is feasibly drained.