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Prosecution Promised for Vandalism of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

cultural-heritage · 2026-06-22

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro has pledged to take legal action against anyone found vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool located on Washington's National Mall. This significant national site recently underwent a renovation costing $14.7 million, which was completed on June 6. However, within two weeks, the newly applied blue paint started to peel. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, President Donald Trump, without providing evidence, accused vandals of introducing corrosive substances into the pool, labeling them as "sick" and "deranged." Pirro emphasized that even minor offenses must be addressed to maintain safety in the capital, warning that those who contribute to algae growth in the pool might face harsher penalties. Additionally, an algae bloom has turned the water green. Trump announced that repairs would commence immediately, requiring the pool to be drained.

Key facts

  • US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said people caught vandalising the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be fully prosecuted.
  • The pool's new blue paint started peeling less than two weeks after its $14.7 million renovation was completed on June 6.
  • President Donald Trump claimed, without evidence, that vandals poured corrosive chemicals into the pool.
  • Trump called the vandals 'sick' and 'deranged' in a Truth Social post on Sunday.
  • Pirro said even minor crimes must be prosecuted to keep the US capital safe.
  • Those adding products to the pool that generate algae could face more severe charges.
  • The pool has also suffered an algae bloom that makes the water look green.
  • Trump said work would begin immediately to fix the pool and that it will be drained for repairs.

Entities

Institutions

  • Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
  • National Mall
  • Fox News
  • Truth Social
  • DC Water
  • National Park Service

Locations

  • Washington
  • United States

Sources