Doug Burgum vows ‘full’ prosecution over Lincoln Memorial pool damage
Secretary Burgum condemns vandalism targeting National Mall amid new threats
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is reacting to a disturbing pattern of vandalism targeting the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which suffered significant damage. Burgum details the restoration efforts, security measures, and the arrest of seven people involved. He emphasized that such actions are an attack on the country and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has promised a “full” investigation into vandals who allegedly cut a 350-foot gash in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Saturday and defaced the site with a series of anti-Trump graffiti.
“When people attack him [the Reflecting Pool]”These are like attacks on our country,” Burgum said. “These are our most sacred monuments. [the perpetrators] “We will be tried to the fullest extent of the law.”
Burgum discussed the damage and the Trump administration’s response on “Fox & Friends Weekend” and revealed that authorities made seven arrests, filed multiple tips and filed 18 police reports in connection with the vandalism.
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks with Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez (out of frame), after a meeting at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on March 4, 2026. (Federico PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)
The damage extended roughly 350 feet along the pool’s industrial rubber liner, which investigators believe was cut with a utility knife, Burgum said.
Pictures show some of the anti-Trump signs left behind by vandals; among them is “8647”. These signs are interpreted by many as a call to violence or a call to impeach the president.
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Flags with the US Capitol behind them are seen on the National Mall. (AP)
“Reflecting Pool [is] It’s part of the 1922 Lincoln Memorial,” Burgum said.
“If people are using sharp objects to vandalize this thing, that’s the same thing in the eyes of the law as throwing paint on Lincoln’s statue.”
President Donald Trump addressed the vandalism on Friday, saying the newly restored Reflecting Pool was intentionally targeted.
“They cut a scar 350 feet long on the edge of the Reflecting Pool,” Trump said.
“These are the people we’re dealing with. These are the people who want to destroy our country.”
Burgum said the vandalism came despite concerted efforts by the Trump administration to restore and beautify the nation’s capital ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
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More than 50 parks and landscapes have been restored, 48 monuments have been repaired, 22 fountains have returned to service and nearly 1,700 lights have been repaired on the National Mall, he said.
The Reflecting Pool is now surrounded by fencing as part of the investigation into the damage.
Burgum said the fence was installed in part to protect the pool and in preparation for the Fourth of July celebration, which will include fireworks on both sides of the monument.
