Donald Trump Demands Immediate Repairs for Washington DC Reflecting Pool Vandalism Claims
US President Donald Trump has ordered “immediate” repair work on the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC, following what he claims are acts of serious vandalism. The announcement came after Trump’s aerial “inspection” of the site on Sunday, where he observed the pool’s ongoing issues, including persistent green algae and peeling paint, despite a recent $13 million renovation.
Trump stated that the pool may require a second draining and refilling this month. He attributed the current state, including a reported “250 foot long gash,” to vandals ahead of the country’s 250th independence day on 4 July. Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney for Washington DC, has pledged aggressive prosecution for anyone found damaging the landmark.
A senior Trump administration official reported five arrests and five citations issued by police on Saturday night, with a total of 14 police reports filed. US Park Police have not confirmed these figures.
The Reflecting Pool, built in the 1920s, has a history of leaks, structural decay, and algae growth. Champion canoeist David “Davey” Hearn was arrested on Friday, accused of vandalism; he denies the charge, stating he merely touched peeling paint and caused no damage. Rosalina Stancheva Christova, a professor of aquatic ecology, identified the green algae as harmless Desmodesmus, but noted the risk of other harmful bacteria being introduced by birds.
