President Donald Trump on Friday blamed vandals for the ongoing problems at the Reflecting Pool. But his critics aren’t buying it. Trump this month unveiled his $14 million makeover over the Reflecting Pool, which sits on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. He had the pool drained, the bottom painted “American flag blue,” and used what he called “highly sophisticated material, industrial strength, that could last for 100 years.” But problems began just days after it was refilled. That bottom seal is peeling off ― tourists are even taking pieces home as souvenirs ― and the once-clear waters are now green with a thriving algae population, and experts say that new blue bottom may be part of the problem.National Park Service employees remove algae from the bottom of the newly painted Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., United States on June 16, 2026.Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty ImagesTrump on Friday night however blamed “vandalism” in which unnamed “chemicals” were used to “hurt the inside surface that was just installed.” The president also falsely claimed the damage was limited to a “small area” despite photos and videos showing that large areas of the pool have been impacted by algae and peeling paint. Trump hasn’t provided any evidence of vandalism, but said law enforcement was investigating. However, given his history of wild claims and conspiracy theories, his critics weren’t convinced. They hit back on X:Stop for a minute and think about how astronomically stupid this entire idiotic saga of the Trump Reflecting Cesspool™️has been. Seriously. It’s as if we’re all trapped in his demented malformed neurosyphilis rotted brain hallucinations and/or one of Dante’s circles of Hell. https://t.co/BTQNUReBLh— Jeff Timmer (@jefftimmer) June 20, 2026A company linked to a longtime Trump ally received a $1.7 million contract to install a water purification system in the Reflecting Pool, bypassing the usual competitive bidding process. https://t.co/p5RR0uL3VW— WarMonitor (@TheWarMonitor) June 20, 2026Not a surprise. Trump posts a totally confabulated conspiracy accusation, with not even a wisp of evidence, and a vague reference to “they”. And immediately there will emerge a separate MAGA reality that is unshakable. https://t.co/H4eQPgdoXY— David Moser (@david__moser) June 20, 2026Those "vandals" were from the National Park Service.There is a live webcam that would show if someone else have vandalized the pool.TACO can't take responsibility for anything so he has to blame someone else. https://t.co/zLeKiTJqRJ— D Villella❄️🇺🇸 🦅 (@dvillella) June 20, 2026Yeah, that’s it, blame your stupidity and ignorance on vandals because you don’t wanna listen to scientists because you think you already know everything! Always point the finger at someone else because it couldn’t possibly be the ear of your own worst enemy! 😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂 https://t.co/ladTerCCnO— Hyapatia Native Strength Lee (@StrengthLe49497) June 20, 2026Talk about major cope. Trump cannot admit that he screwed up. It’s ALWAYS someone else’s fault. His post is fake news. https://t.co/Ah5dsexj4Y— Camille MacKenzie (@CamRMacKenzie) June 20, 2026RelatedDonald Trumpnational mallreflecting pool