Tim Walz rips Trump over Reflecting Pool project, conservatives fire back
Trump blames vandals for repairs to Lincoln Memorial pool
President Donald Trump is blaming the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s $14 million repair need on vandalism, citing viral videos of paint peeling. He announced the arrests and criticized ABC reporter Jonathan Karl for touching the pool. U.S. Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro emphasized that all forms of vandalism, including minor acts, must be prosecuted to preserve the beauty and safety of DC.
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Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s viral jab at President Donald Trump over the troubled Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool cleanup drew swift backlash from online critics who pointed to the massive fraud scandal that emerged in Minnesota under Walz’s watch.
“I found an imaginary problem, said only they could fix it, didn’t listen to experts, hired friends who scammed millions, failed miserably, bragged about how great it was going,” Walz wrote in a post Friday. Publish on X It has more than 3.5 million views. “In short, the entire Trump presidency.”
Walz was reacting to a report about the Trump administration’s problems cleaning the historic reflecting pool next to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.; that pool recently became fodder for Democrats in response to peeling paint and algae growth just weeks after the completion of a $14.8 million restoration project.
His post, well-received by some of Walz’s supporters, was widely criticized by conservatives who suggested that Walz’s failure to stop fraudsters involved in the massive fraud scandal that unfolded on his watch made his view of the Reflecting Pool less persuasive.
TIM WALZ RESPONDED TO TRUMP’S ‘INCOMPETENCE’ CLAIM, DONATED RESPONSIBILITY FOR FRAUD IN MINNESOTA
Gov. Tim Walz’s post drew praise from some supporters, but conservatives quickly directed criticism at the governor. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images ; Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“I’m sorry, is TIM WALZ accusing someone else of allowing fraud?” journalist Mark Hemingway Published on X
“From the guy who gave us all those ‘Learning Centers,'” said Fox Business senior correspondent Charles Gasparino. Published on X
“Tim Walz: Are you self-identifying?” Minnesota Staff Scam Reporting Commentary, an account representing more than 480 Minnesota state staff who raise the alarm about fraud in the state, Published on X
WALZ confirms craters at LOWEST LEVEL EVER and tracks down Trump amid massive fraud scandal: ‘WE’RE SICK OF THIS’
National Park Service employees and contractors use vacuum cleaners to remove green algae from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., on June 18, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“You might want to leave this one out…” said Sal Nuzzo, general manager of Consumer Defense. Published on X
“In fact, the problems were very real: 9% inflation, an open border with more than 20 million illegal crossings, fentanyl killing 100,000 Americans a year, factories shipped abroad, energy addiction and cities unable to keep the lights on,” said Harrison Fields, Trump’s former White House spokesman. Published on X. “Voters didn’t dream these things, they lived them. That’s why you’re a retired governor and a failed vice presidential candidate.”
Conservative influencer Gunther Eagleman accused Walz of presiding over the fraud scandal in Minnesota. airing on X“That’s what the biggest hustler in Minnesota says.”
“You’ve come up with a wild, imaginary war record,” Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden said. Published on X In response to questions about Walz’s memories of his military service as he runs for vice president in 2024.
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Governor Tim Walz gestures while speaking at the Global Progressive Mobilization conference on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. (Nacho Doce/Reuters)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Walz’s office for comment.
“Among the MANY Statues and Fountains we have rebuilt, renovated, cleaned and repaired, the only one that suffered vandalism was the Reflecting Pool, which was taken care of ASAP!”
Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday following alleged vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, where law enforcement activities and cleanup efforts have drawn national attention.
“A 1,000-foot-long breach was opened, illegal chemicals were placed in the water, and the beautiful new turf was destroyed by chemically carving a giant 86 47 onto it (Possibly inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!). Please note that there is a 10-year prison sentence for destroying or even attempting to destroy such things – This will be fully enforced! Thank you for your interest in this matter. Mayor DJT.”
