Trump Announces Immediate Repairs for Vandalized Reflecting Pool

Mon Jun 22 2026 16:05:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US President vows to begin repairs on the Reflecting Pool after a recent algae bloom and allegations of vandalism. The 1920s landmark remains in need of further renovation.

President Trump declared he has inspected Washington DC’s famed Reflecting Pool and will start repairs immediately, following a costly refurbishment last month that left large algae sprouting green patches. Trump’s helicopter visit this week coincided with claims that vandals damaged the red paint, prompting the Attorney for DC to promise prosecution for anyone found responsible. Police records indicate 14 reports, five arrests and five citations for vandalism; a former Olympian was recently arrested and denied any wrongdoing. Despite an $13 million overhaul, the pool’s leaking, bird droppings and chemical treatments continue to threaten its integrity, raising questions over whether it needs to be drained a second time this month.

Trump Announces Immediate Repairs for Vandalized Reflecting Pool

President Trump announced he had inspected Washington DC’s iconic Reflecting Pool and that work will begin right away to repair the landmark after it was reportedly vandalised.

The pool, brightened last month with a fresh blue coat, has been plagued by a green algae bloom that turns the water visibly bright green, despite the recent multi‑million dollar renovation.

Trump said the pool may need to be drained and refilled again this month, and he flew over the site in a helicopter while returning from Camp David.

He alleged vandals damaged the paint before the 250th anniversary of the U.S. independence day, prompting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to promise harsh prosecution of anyone found responsible.

Police figures say 14 reports have been filed, five people were arrested for vandalism and five were issued citations last night as officials investigate the damage.

The Reflecting Pool, built in the 1920s and stretching 2,030 ft between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has long suffered from leaks, structural deterioration and bird droppings in addition to algae problems.

The recent $13 million makeover—covering paint and underlying repairs—has not fully resolved the algae issue, and photos show paint peeling from the pool’s bottom.

Officials are using chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide to clean the green algae that has been active since the pool was refilled following a paint job earlier this month.

A photographer spotted a dead duckling floating in the pool over the weekend, though authorities have not yet determined the cause or if the duckling was harmed by the repair work.

Prof. Rosalina Stancheva Christova, who sampled the water on June 16, confirmed the algae species is a harmless type called Desmodesmus but warned that bird visitors can introduce different algae with harmful bacteria, so constant monitoring is advised.

A former Olympic canoeist was recently arrested for alleged vandalism but insists he only touched the peeling paint and did not damage it, calling his arrest an arbitrary prosecution.