Dispute Over Damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum sparred with CNN’s Dana Bash regarding the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The clash centered on whether vandals caused the damage or if it was due to faulty renovation work before the Fourth of July celebration. Burgum insisted that officials could demonstrate vandalism was at fault.

Bash questioned Burgum about the certainty of vandalism being the cause and whether there was evidence to support this claim. Burgum confidently responded, stating that photographs taken during the draining process would show proof.

The exchange heated up as Bash pressed for evidence of individuals cutting the pool liner. Burgum dismissed concerns about media skepticism, explaining the durability of the industrial liner used, which he compared to a sprayed-on pickup truck bed liner. He emphasized that the material wouldn’t simply peel or fall off on its own.

Burgum detailed how the Reflecting Pool’s new liner appeared to have been deliberately cut, asserting this was the only way to produce specific slices. He also mentioned that the pool had been previously leaking a substantial amount of water daily, which had been resolved under President Trump’s administration.

Burgum explained the pool’s closure during the Fourth of July celebrations was necessary for fireworks setup, a recurring annual process. He defended the Trump administration’s renovation efforts, contrasting the improved conditions with the previous state of disrepair.

Responding to further inquiries, Burgum clarified that former President Trump’s motorcade had not caused any damage when it crossed near the pool in May, noting they used a Cadillac Escalade rather than the heavier presidential vehicle known as The Beast.

Additionally, Burgum announced that the same company responsible for the initial work would handle repairs, praising their past performance. This approach would bypass new bidding procedures. Despite the vandalism, Burgum acknowledged the potential repair costs could reach tens of thousands of dollars.

The Associated Press revealed plans to partially drain the pool in the following week for repairs. It also reported that Green Water Solutions had secured a contract for a water-purification system, while Atlantic Industrial Coatings was contracted for repainting and waterproofing the pool’s concrete floor.