Washington: US President Donald Trump has threatened lengthy prison sentences for anyone found damaging the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, as controversy continues to surround a renovation project that has become a political flashpoint in Washington.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump claimed the landmark was the only monument among a series of restoration projects undertaken by his administration to have been vandalised.
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“Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!” Trump wrote.
He added: “Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – which will be fully enforced!”
The comments came amid ongoing criticism of the renovation of the 610-metre-long Reflecting Pool, which was drained and repainted “American flag blue” as part of the refurbishment ordered by Trump.
Renovation faces criticism after setbacks
Shortly after work was completed, the project encountered a series of problems, including peeling paint, algae growth and water turning a murky green colour. Trump has attributed the issues to acts of vandalism, although he has not publicly provided evidence to support the claim.
According to law enforcement officials with the National Park Service, five individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the site, while a further five people have been issued federal citations.
The difficulties surrounding the project have drawn criticism from Trump's opponents, who have portrayed the troubled renovation as emblematic of what they describe as the administration's chaotic approach to governance.
Trump, a former property developer, has repeatedly blamed what he has described as “sick, deranged” individuals for damaging the pool.
Wider Washington makeover under scrutiny
The Reflecting Pool renovation forms part of a broader effort by Trump to leave a lasting mark on the US capital through a series of high-profile construction and restoration projects.
Among the most prominent plans is a proposed new ballroom at the White House, a project expected to carry a significant price tag.
The administration's wider beautification programme has faced scrutiny over its cost, with US media estimates placing expenditure at more than $14 million. Critics have also questioned the transparency of the contracting process at a time when many Americans continue to face economic pressures linked to persistent inflation.
Later on Monday, Trump also announced on Truth Social that his administration was preparing legal action against broadcaster ABC, accusing the network of publishing false reports concerning the Reflecting Pool controversy.
Published: 23 Jun 2026, 09:46 am IST
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