Trump threatens ABC over Reflecting Pool coverage
Trump allies push sabotage claims as critics call it a bizarre, politicized distraction.
June 24, 2026 · Updated Jun 23, 6:24pm ET
Joe.My.God.Jeanine Pirro: DOJ May Prosecute ABC News Reporter Jonathan Karl For "Vandalizing" Reflecting Pool [VIDEO]
CBS NewsReflecting Pool renovation, a massive White House ballroom and a triumphal arch: Here's how Trump is remaking D.C.
Washington ExaminerPirro floats ‘serious charges’ for vandals fostering algal blooms in Reflecting Pool
Raw StoryTrump's flailing Reflecting Pool narrative astounds analysts: 'Going to get more stupid'
The BulwarkGOP Fiscal Hawks Turn Chicken On Reflecting Pool
One America News Network'One of the worst': Trump admin. pursuing lawsuit against ABC News over 'false reporting' of Reflecting Pool vandalism
Daily BeastJudge Jeanine Pushes Trump’s Bonkers Algae Sabotage Fantasy
PJ MediaThe Left Hates Trump so Much That It's Trying to Sabotage the Reflecting Pool
VoxWhy Trump is losing his war against algae
MEDIAiteFox's Peter Doocy Asks Jeanine Pirro About Jon Karl Pool Vid
TruthoutTrump Threatens ABC News Over Coverage of Costly Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Project
Daily KosTrump threatens to sue over reporting on Reflecting Pool scandal
67%
Left · 10
13%
Center · 2
20%
Right · 3
Pano rates the coverage Mostly Left.
What happened
President Donald Trump threatened to sue ABC News over its coverage of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, a $14 million project that painted the pool bottom “American Flag Blue.” The pool began showing peeling surface material and algae growth shortly after the work was completed, prompting scrutiny ahead of July 4. Trump accused ABC correspondent Jonathan Karl
Jonathan KarlAmerican journalist (born 1968) of trying to damage the pool after video showed Karl lifting a detached piece of surface material. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro
Jeanine PirroUnited States Attorney for the District of Columbia since 2025 said vandalism or attempts to foster algal blooms there could bring criminal prosecution or more serious charges.
