Vandalism at the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool: A Discussion with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently engaged in a discussion with Katie Miller, podcast host and wife of presidential advisor Stephen Miller, on the vandalism incidents at the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool. During “The Katie Miller Podcast” released on Tuesday, Burgum outlined the details regarding the issue that dates back to early June.

Miller, expressing skepticism, questioned the visibility and monitoring around the pool. She stated, “There’s a lot of cameras on the pool. There’s a lot of National Guard. How did somebody cut it without being noticed?”

Burgum clarified that at the start, there were few, if any, cameras due to the historic rarity of vandalism at this location. “The Reflecting Pool is part of the Lincoln Memorial, but there had never been vandalism before,” he pointed out.

Miller noted that the focus on the pool increased after President Trump initiated beautification efforts. “Until President Trump decided to beautify it,” she remarked, to which Burgum agreed, acknowledging how upgrades had attracted unwanted attention.

Burgum explained that the vandalism prompted immediate action, leading to enhanced security measures by the White House. “We got mobile camera stations and towers in, capturing some secondary activity,” he mentioned, revealing that vandalism began as early as June 9.

Burgum stated that initial incidents were not publicized to prevent mimicking. “We did have some vandalism, which we didn’t advertise to avoid copycats.” As a result, camera coverage has since improved.

Miller’s entire interview with Burgum is scheduled for release at 6 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, amid criticism surrounding Trump’s ongoing renovations in Washington, D.C., multiple vandalism incidents have been reported. The National Mall saw several “8647” markings, blood-written messages on the Washington Monument, and additional damage to the Reflecting Pool.

This surge in vandalism followed President Trump’s order to refurbish and repaint the Reflecting Pool. Protesters reportedly left “razor-blade cuts” on the renovated surface and removed fencing, later throwing it into the water.

With the National Guard present during these renovations, workers have been applying paint to the Reflecting Pool, as part of the broader aesthetic refresh led by Trump to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.