Reflecting Pool Furor

President Donald Trump is blaming vandalism for the algae blooms and peeling blue coating that appeared soon after his roughly $14 million to $16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He says vandals cut a 350-foot slit in the pool lining with a box cutter or knife, claims five people have been arrested and five more are under investigation, and insists proof will emerge in court, though reporters pressing for evidence have not received documentation. Federal officials say arrests have been made and an investigation is underway, while National Guard members and U.S. Park Police patrol the pool area as crews drain the water again and attempt fixes including nanobubble treatments. The episode has intensified scrutiny of the rushed makeover ahead of major national celebrations, with Trump angrily rejecting suggestions that design choices, heat, algae growth or contractor problems caused the failure.