Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

On June 20, 2026, President Trump announced the arrest of several individuals by the United States Park Police for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This incident followed the appearance of algae turning the pool’s water a fluorescent green and damage to the newly installed “American Flag Blue” coating.

“The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our nation’s magnificent Reflecting Pool,” Mr. Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. He emphasized the severity of these crimes and the legal consequences, stating, “Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair.” The National Park Service has not yet commented on these events.

David Hearn, a 67-year-old man from Bethesda, Maryland, was arrested after allegedly interacting with the pool while on a 64-mile bike ride. He claimed his interest in the pool was purely scientific, as he wanted to understand the peeling coating that he alleges Mr. Trump was responsible for installing.

Hearn described being detained for five hours after he examined a chunk of coating still attached to the pool’s side. He noted that park staff had instructed him to let go, and it led to his arrest by National Guard officers and Park Police. “I’m a curious citizen,” Hearn explained in a telephone interview, describing the coating as “very rubbery.” He plans to seek legal assistance ahead of a court appearance next month.

Reports indicate that the pool has struggled for years with maintenance issues like leaks, algae, and faulty plumbing. In April, President Trump initiated efforts to rectify its “terrible” condition as part of larger clean-up projects in Washington, D.C., in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Despite recent resurfacing, new issues emerged; workers were observed removing algae and treating the pool with hydrogen peroxide. President Trump assured that the algae was largely cleared and repairs to the vandalized area were imminent. However, he claimed the severity of the algae issue could not be linked solely to vandalism.

President Trump alleged malicious interference to damage the pool, akin to chemicals used elsewhere on the National Mall. The reference was to numbers “86 47” marked on grass at the Mall, suspected to signify threats against President Trump, the 47th president.

Authorities are reportedly investigating these allegations and broader concerns about potential threats to public spaces.