Washington D.C.'s Reflecting Pool Faces New Challenges
The iconic Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. is slated to be drained as issues concerning bright green algae and peeling paint have resurfaced, mere weeks after the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation. Former US President Donald Trump has again pointed to vandalism as the cause, alleging a significant gash in the pool and the introduction of fertilizer into the water.
"I can't help it if somebody goes in with a knife and starts hacking it up," Trump stated, estimating the recent upgrades at approximately $16 million.
According to the US Park Police, five individuals have been arrested on charges related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, with an additional five receiving federal citations.
Ongoing Problems Despite Renovations
The DC Water authority confirmed on Monday that it has issued a permit for the pool's draining. The company responsible for the repairs has indicated it will address the rectangular structure under its warranty. The BBC has sought comments from both the DC Water authority and the National Park Service.
The Reflecting Pool, which spans 2,030 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has a history of structural issues, leaks, faulty pipes, and algae growth since its construction in the 1920s. Despite the recent renovation, which saw the pool fully drained in April and refilled earlier this month, problems with algae and the newly applied deep blue paint have persisted. National Park Service staff have reportedly used hydrogen peroxide to combat the algae, while sections of paint are visibly peeling and floating to the surface.
Legal Action and Media Disputes
Former President Trump reiterated a warning from US Attorney for Washington D.C. Jeanine Pirro, emphasizing that individuals found damaging the pool could face severe penalties. In a post on Truth Social, Trump cautioned, "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!" He later told reporters that he believed the gash in the pool was now 350 feet long and that fertilizer might have been introduced, contributing to the algae formation.
In a related development, Trump is threatening legal action against ABC News over its coverage of the Reflecting Pool. He accused the network of inaccurate reporting, specifically alleging that they failed to mention previous administrations' expenditures on the pool. Trump claimed his administration's $16 million renovation was successful, apart from the vandalism, and that any proceeds from lawsuits would be directed to the US Treasury. The BBC has reached out to ABC News for comment.
Source: Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames 'vandals' for recent troubles