Donald Trump announced that vandalism was carried out at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Trump alleged that the pool's new surface was damaged and that chemicals were used for this purpose.
In a statement on the Truth Social platform, Trump said, "We have real problems with vandalism in Washington, D.C." He noted that the pool is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump stated that the vandalism damaged the pool's interior surface and that chemicals were used. He used the expression, "The same chemicals used on the National Mall were also used in the pool."
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been renovated through a $14.8 million restoration project. Shortly after the project's completion, algae growth and paint peeling were observed in the pool.
The National Park Service and workers used chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to reduce algae formation. A pool-type vacuum system was also used to clean algae from the bottom of the pool.
The Park Service announced that the chemicals used have no harmful effects on marine life or the environment.
Trump said that 75% of the algae has been cleaned and that the small area where vandalism occurred will be repaired early next week.
Law enforcement is investigating the vandalism. Images shared on social media show National Guard and U.S. Park Police officers patrolling near the pool.
Videos shared on social media show people near the Reflecting Pool criticizing the restoration project and celebrating the algae growth.