President Donald Trump has warned that Americans accused of damaging the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., could face up to 10 years in prison.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation costing more than $14 million as part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Trump directed the project, which included installing a custom “American flag blue” liner designed to replace the previous algae-prone surface and improve the Washington Monument’s reflections.
The pool reopened in early June 2026 but quickly developed visible issues, including an algae bloom that turned parts of the water green and peeling sections of the newly installed liner.
Trump Accuses Vandals of Deliberate Damage
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump blamed the damage on deliberate vandalism rather than problems linked to the renovation or maintenance of the site.
Trump claimed the Reflecting Pool suffered a roughly 300-foot gash, that corrosive chemicals were illegally placed into the water, and that the nearby grass field was chemically marked with “86 47.”
He connected the incident to a separate act of vandalism on the National Mall where the same numbers appeared.
The president said that among the many statues, fountains, and public sites that had been renovated, cleaned, or repaired, the Reflecting Pool was the only one targeted. He also suggested the alleged vandalism may have been inspired by former FBI Director James Comey.
Arrests Made as Trump Warns of 10-Year Prison Sentence
Trump said U.S. Park Police had made arrests linked to the vandalism and warned that anyone responsible for damaging national landmarks could face severe legal consequences.
Under federal law, damaging government property can carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison. An administration official said five people had been arrested and five others received citations, with authorities filing 14 police reports related to the incident.
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One of those arrested was David Hearn, a 67-year-old former U.S. Olympian in canoe slalom racing from Bethesda, Maryland. Hearn said he stopped while riding his bike and touched a loose piece of the already peeling liner out of curiosity.
He was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property, which he denied, and is scheduled to appear in court in July.
Repairs Underway Amid Ongoing Investigation
Trump said he personally inspected the Reflecting Pool and that repairs would begin immediately. Officials indicated the pool may need to be partially drained again to repair the damaged liner, while federal authorities have increased patrols around the area.
However, no public evidence has been released showing surveillance footage of a large deliberate cut or widespread chemical sabotage. Reports have suggested that the algae and peeling issues may have been caused by environmental conditions, hot weather, or chemical treatments used during maintenance.
