Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained for repairs after vandalism
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Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday as the Trump administration launched a new round of repairs following the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The latest repairs follow problems that arose shortly after the initial restoration project was completed last month, which President Donald Trump largely blamed on vandals.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose department oversees the National Park Service (NPS), told conservative podcast host Katie Miller this week that the latest round of work is planned and that crews must also remove debris left behind after the Fourth of July fireworks celebration on the National Mall.
BURGUM Clashed With CNN Anchor, BLASTED THE MEDIA TO QUESTION THE VANDALISM OF THE REFLECTING POOL ON THE LINCOLN MONUMENT
President Donald Trump holds a photo of the Lincoln Memorial with a fence reflecting the pool during a healthcare event held in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, U.S., on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Drain the water, clean up the fireworks,” Burgum said. “Repair vandalism. Refill.”
Trump ordered the restoration project earlier this year as part of efforts to renovate the landmark ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The project was then besieged by an algae bloom, and sections of the new blue coating began to peel away from the bottom of the pool.
FORMER US OLYMPIAN DAVID HEARN PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN FIXING POOL VANDALISM CASE
National Park Service workers stand next to a pump placed next to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Last Sunday, Trump declared victory over algae by posting photos on Truth Social of the Reflecting Pool and its reflection appearing clear and blue.
Court records previously showed that the National Park Service planned to drain the pool again after the Fourth of July celebration to repair damage that officials attributed to vandalism.
U.S. Park Police responded to a report of damage to the Reflecting Pool on June 9, according to court documents. Caulk was spread over foam padding that had been cut with a “sharp knife or razor,” inspectors said, damaging newly applied surfacing and about 70 fence post caps being thrown into the pool.
JIM ACOSTA CLAIMS DONALD TRUMP VANITY PROJECTS ARE LIKE ‘THE LAST DAYS OF SADDAM HUSSEIN’
President Donald Trump touts the algae cleanup and prosecution of vandals at the Lincoln Reflecting pool as evidence that the water is clear and reflective in this July 3 photo. (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to damaging the newly renovated Reflecting Pool.
Hearn was charged last week with aggravated criminal damage to property following his arrest on charges related to the June 19 incident at the pool. He denied damaging the Reflecting Pool, saying he stopped while cycling and touched a loose piece of the peeling blue coating “to satisfy my curiosity as a citizen.”
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At least three other people were charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of the Reflecting Pool’s liner, according to online court records. All three pleaded not guilty at their initial hearings on Wednesday.
Fox News Digital’s Peter Pinedo, Ryan Canfield, Eric Mack and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
