On Friday, President Donald Trump attributed the ongoing issues at the Reflecting Pool to acts of vandalism.
However, his critics remain skeptical.
Earlier this month, Trump revealed a $14 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool, located on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
The refurbishment involved draining the pool, painting the bottom in an “American flag blue,” and utilizing what Trump referred to as “highly sophisticated material” designed to last a century.
Yet, issues arose just days after the pool was refilled.
The seal on the pool’s bottom is peeling ― with tourists reportedly taking pieces as souvenirs ― and the water has turned green due to algae growth. Experts suggest the new blue bottom might be contributing to the problem.
Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images
On Friday night, Trump attributed the problems to “vandalism,” claiming that unidentified “chemicals” were used to damage the newly installed surface.
The president also inaccurately described the damage as confined to a “small area,” despite visual evidence showing widespread algae and peeling paint.
Trump has not provided proof of vandalism but mentioned that law enforcement is investigating.
Nevertheless, given his track record of making unsubstantiated claims, his critics remain unconvinced.
