Trump Blames 'Sick and Deviant' Individuals for Vandalism at Reflecting Pool

United States President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 10-year prison sentence on anyone caught committing vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The pool has recently undergone renovation, yet the signature blue paint, intended to reflect the American flag, has begun to fade only weeks after the repairs were completed.

The Trump administration previously allocated US$14.7 million (approximately Rp260 billion) to Atlantic Industrial Coatings without a tender process. The renovation was undertaken to recoat the pool with the specific blue colour of the American flag, ahead of the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States in July.

However, shortly after the renovation was finalised, the paint on the pool began to peel, and the water turned green due to the growth of algae.

The rectangular pool, which is approximately 600 metres long, will now be drained and re-renovated by the contractor as part of the project warranty, according to relevant officials on Monday (22/06).

Trump: Vandalism committed by “sick and twisted” individuals

Trump blamed several unnamed individuals, describing them as “sick and twisted” for allegedly causing damage to the pool.

“Among the statues and fountains that we have rebuilt, renovated, and cleaned, the only area damaged by perpetrators is the pool area. This issue is being addressed as quickly as possible!” Trump wrote via his social media platform, Truth Social, on Monday (22/06).

“There will be a threat of a 10-year prison sentence for anyone who damages or attempts to alter the facility; this rule will be strictly enforced!” he added.

However, Trump provided no evidence regarding the alleged acts of vandalism.

He also alleged that there are cracks measuring 80–90 metres along the surface of the pool, which were likely caused by slashes from sharp objects.

“The perpetrators damaged it with knives,” he said, without providing supporting evidence for the accusation.

Currently, five people have been arrested for alleged vandalism of the pool, while five others have received citations. One of those arrested is a former Olympic athlete, who has openly denied the allegations.