Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDonald Trump boasted on 4 May 2026 about the durability of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, claiming its surface was 'very, very strong'. He stated the pool, which he had ordered spray-painted 'American flag-blue', would last at least 50 years without leaking. The renovation involved draining the pool and applying a coating similar to those used in chlorinated swimming pools. Despite his earlier assurances, Trump announced on Tuesday, 23 June, that the pool would need to be drained again. This was attributed to alleged vandalism, with Trump reporting a '290,300-foot slit right through it'. In fullTrump claims vandals slashed Reflecting Pool surface he boasted was knife-proofThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The president also blamed damage to the renovations on “vandals,” and said multiple people have been arrested.

President Trump said more people have been arrested for vandalism of the Reflecting Pool, which now likely needs to be drained and repaired again.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) said that several arrests were made into the alleged vandalism of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He alleged that the vandals…

US President Donald Trump said “multiple individuals” had been arrested for vandalising the Lincoln Memorial monument. One, a former Olympian, denies any wrongdoing.

Trump’s renovations have already totaled $14 million, and he now blames vandalism for the algae and peeling paint in the Reflecting Pool

Algae blooms and peeling paint mar $14.2m renovation as president blames problems on ‘disgraceful Vandalism’

The pool is in a state of disrepair just 16 days after a $24.3m repair project.

Costly Reflecting Pool revamp under fire amid algae bloom and disputed vandalism claims

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Trump said the reflecting pool is the only one among several areas renovated by his administration that has been vandalized.

From peeling paint to algae, President Donald Trump's Reflecting Pool renovation has seen a few setbacks.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePresident Donald Trump claimed "vandals"…

President has been blaming everything from vandals with chemicals to purposeful cutting for what he now calls a 300-foot ‘slit’ in the spray-painted surface coating done by no-bid…

The president remained adamant that problems with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool post-renovation were due to vandals.

Trump said the Reflecting Pool would be repaired either immediately before or after the Fourth of July.

Trump said the Reflecting Pool would be repaired either immediately before or after the Fourth of July.

President Trump has insisted that vandals, rather than questionable craftsmanship, are responsible for the enduring problems following the Reflecting Pool's $14.7 million sealant…

Is he claiming someone cut the paint off the bottom of the pool?

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"This will last for at least 50 years," Trump said less than two months ago.