Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned of stringent criminal penalties for those accused of damaging the recently renovated Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, a $14 million project that has already drawn scrutiny over peeling paint, algae growth and green-tinted water.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that the pool had been vandalized and said a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction or attempted destruction of federal property would be “fully enforced.” He claimed a “350-foot slit” had been cut into the pool’s new blue coating and said evidence of the damage would be released later.
The renovation project, which involved draining the 610-meter-long pool and repainting it in what officials described as “American flag blue,” is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape Washington. The initiative also includes plans for a large ballroom at the White House.
Critics, however, have questioned the cost, transparency and timing of the administration’s renovation projects.
According to the Department of the Interior, five people have been arrested in connection with vandalism incidents, while five others have been issued federal citations. Authorities have also filed 14 police reports related to damage at the site.
Officials are reviewing whether the cases should remain misdemeanors or be elevated to federal felony charges, which carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
One of those detained, former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, denied any wrongdoing. He said he did not vandalize the pool and merely touched loose material out of curiosity.
Hearn is scheduled to make his first court appearance on July 9.
The controversy has further fueled political debate over Trump’s renovation agenda and the administration’s management of high-profile public projects.
