World·NewThe Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington's National Mall is set to be drained again for repairs after algae and peeling paint appeared just weeks ​after a $14.7-million US renovation, while U.S President Donald Trump threatened ​prison time for anyone caught damaging the pool.U.S President Donald Trump threatens prison time for anyone caught damaging poolThomson Reuters · Posted: Jun 22, 2026 4:43 PM EDT | Last Updated: 17 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.A piece of blue paint is seen lying at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., on Monday. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington's National Mall is set to be drained again for repairs after algae and peeling paint appeared just weeks ​after a $14.7-million US renovation, while U.S President Donald Trump threatened ​prison time for anyone caught damaging the pool. The DC Water authority issued a permit to drain the 609-metre-long rectangular pool, it said Monday, while ​the repair company said it would fix the pool as part ⁠of its warranty. The U.S. National ⁠Park Service did not immediately respond ‌to a request for comment. A child points toward the reflecting pool on Monday. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)Peeling paint and algae growth have been visible in the pool since soon after Trump declared the renovation project complete on June 6. Concerns have been raised about the no-bid contract to recoat the ⁠pool before the country's 250th anniversary celebrations next month, as well as for the ducks that use its water.Workers from the National Park Service earlier this week poured hydrogen peroxide into ‌the pool to combat the algae. Trump has blamed vandalsTrump, without evidence, has blamed vandals for the state of the landmark. On Monday, he echoed a weekend threat by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to prosecute people accused of attempting to destroy the ​pool.WATCH | Peeling paint at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool:Days after Trump's 'fantastic' fixes, iconic D.C. reflecting pool stinks, is peelingJune 19|Duration 2:09Less than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump hailed 'fantastic' $15-million upgrades, Washington's famous reflecting pool is peeling and putrid with algae. Trump hired the same company that works at one of his golf courses, with no competing bids."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 wrote in a social media post. Destruction ⁠of federal property can carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. At least five ⁠people ⁠have been arrested, including a ​former Olympian who publicly denied the charges, while five others were issued citations, according to media ​reports citing an administration official. ⁠The U.S. Park Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The company responsible for the renovation work, Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, said on Sunday the areas that required repairs made up "a very small part of the massive 7-acre [2.83-hectare] project, and do not indicate ⁠a failure of the liner."A bird's-eye view of some of the efforts taking place to clean up the reflecting pool. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)