Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAfter the pool was drained, reporters and visitors, including a CNN crew, found no visible evidence of a significant gash or major vandalism, despite Trump's varying descriptions of the alleged cut (Getty)Donald Trump claimed vandals created a "300 yards long" gash in the new liner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, attributing the return of algae to this damage. After the pool was drained, reporters and visitors, including a CNN crew, found no visible evidence of a significant gash or major vandalism, despite Trump's varying descriptions of the alleged cut. The Reflecting Pool, which recently underwent a $15 million renovation, has a documented history of issues such as algae blooms, leaky pipes, and cracks. Skepticism exists regarding the vandalism claim, with some reports and experts suggesting the algae bloom is more likely due to the pool's inherent ecological factors, such as its shallowness and nutrient content. Four individuals have been charged with crimes related to alleged vandalism at the site, but none have been accused of slashing the pool's liner as described by Trump. In fullAs the DC Reflecting Pool is drained, the gash Trump claimed vandals caused is hard to findMore bulletinsThank 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 has been complaining about vandals destroying the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. But now that the pool is being drained, a different story is emerging.

The president once again claimed, without evidence, that the Reflecting Pool’s floor was damaged by vandals and alleged “300 yards long” slashes on its floor.

The president once again claimed, without evidence, that the Reflecting Pool’s floor was damaged by vandals and alleged “300 yards long” slashes on the surface.

The pool project was beset by an algae bloom as pieces of the new coating appeared to be peeling off. Trump has blamed the peeling on vandals. But critics allege it's from shoddy…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe partially drained Lincoln Memorial…

Some social media users have speculated whether markings visible on the bottom of the pool were caused by Trump’s motorcade, which drove the length of the pool on May 7.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyle(Getty)A "temporary" chain link fence…

The president has insisted vandals are responsible for slashing a ‘300 yards long’ hole into the new liner of the Reflecting Pool – though visitors were unable to spot it

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAfter the pool was drained, reporters and…