WASHINGTON (AP) — On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that federal authorities had made “multiple arrests” related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. This announcement came as he attempted to address criticisms surrounding the $14-million-plus restoration project he initiated for the nation’s 250th anniversary, which has faced setbacks.
Trump criticized previous administrations for allowing the pool to become algae-covered and promised to revamp it with an “American flag blue” coating to enhance its reflection of the Washington Monument. However, after the renovation, the pool quickly turned green once more. Chemical treatments were applied to eliminate the algae, but the blue lining began to peel off.
On Friday night, Trump addressed the situation on social media.
“We’ve had some real problems with Vandalism at the beautiful Reflecting Pool,” he posted online. “Just like three days ago, they destroyed the grass outside of the Pool, they’ve also done everything possible to hurt the inside surface that was just installed.”
He did not provide evidence to support his claims.
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Agencies responsible for maintaining the National Mall, including the U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, and Interior Department, did not respond to requests for comment. Trump later posted that Park Police “have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Poll,” later correcting the spelling to “Pool.”
He continued: “Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail!”
Trump acknowledged that further repairs would be needed for the Reflecting Pool, stating, “We met with contractors today, will probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs, but will have them done as quickly as possible.”
David Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was one of the individuals arrested. He owns a company that produces composite materials for watercraft. Hearn said he stopped by the pool during a 64-mile bike ride to observe the situation.
Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, told The Associated Press that he reached into the pool to inspect the peeling coating. He briefly touched a piece still attached to the pool’s side, releasing it after being instructed by a park worker.
Hearn stated that he was detained by National Guard troops and Park Police for five hours before being released later that night.
“I’m a curious citizen,” Hearn said in a phone interview. “I reached down to see what it felt like. It was very rubbery.”
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The Washington Post initially reported Hearn’s arrest, and he mentioned having a court date next month and seeking legal assistance.
Even if someone removed paint from the pool’s side, it would not explain the clouds of algae in green water and the detached blue paint swaths.
Trump claimed that something malicious was occurring. “No different than the chemicals that were used on the National Mall, they used something similar in the Reflecting Pool to try to destroy and demean our beautiful work,” he posted.
This comment referred to numbers etched into the grass on the National Mall the previous week: “86 47.” Authorities suggest the numbers might have been intended as a threat to Trump, the 47th president, since “86” is slang for “getting rid of.” Investigations are ongoing.
Trump’s comments followed a period of negative attention on the pool’s condition, attracting media coverage and public curiosity.
