Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained for repairs again, Trump says
by Joe Fisher · UPIJuly 14 (UPI) -- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has again been drained in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday as President Donald Trump claims the damage done by "vandals" is being repaired.
More than $14 million has been spent on renovating the reflecting pool in a project that began in April. Algae and debris are all that remain in the pool on Tuesday morning with another attempt at renovating it beginning.
"We drained the beautiful 'Reflecting Pool' today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago," Trump posted on social media. "The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs."
The Justice Department has charged four people for allegedly vandalizing the reflecting pool since Trump had the basin painted "American Flag blue." U.S. Olympian David Hearn is among those charged and pleaded not guilty last week.
The National Park Service said last month that the pool was damaged by a sharp knife. The service and the president have not shared any evidence to support these claims.
The president has also blamed the growth of algae blooms in the water on "vandals."
"The Parks Department had to empty the water in order to fix the water-tight basin," Trump posted on social media on Monday. "It will be refilled and put back into service soon. These country-hating sleazebags should pay a big price for the damage done."
This week in Washington
A book for condolences, sticky notes and flowers are seen outside the office of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at the Russell Senate Office Building on Monday. Graham died on the evening of July 11 at the age of 71 after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. He served South Carolina in Congress for 31 years, including eight years in the House of Representatives and 23 years in the Senate. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo