Interior Secretary Doug Burgum discussed the vandalism of the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool during an appearance on "The Katie Miller Podcast," hosted by Katie Miller, wife of President Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller. Burgum stated that the vandalism began as early as June 9, shortly after President Trump ordered the restoration and repainting of the Reflecting Pool.
Burgum noted that initially there were few or no cameras monitoring the Reflecting Pool, despite extensive surveillance across other monuments. He described the Reflecting Pool as part of the Lincoln Memorial and said it had not experienced vandalism before the recent incidents. "Until President Trump decided to beautify it," Burgum remarked.
The vandalism included multiple "razor-blade cuts" and the removal of fencing, which was then tossed into the water. This pattern of damage emerged amid criticism of Trump's renovations around Washington, D.C., ahead of America's 250th celebration. Vandals also left multiple "8647" markings and a blood-written message on the Washington Monument, prompting federal officials to warn of a growing trend.
Burgum's comments came after a clash with CNN's Dana Bash on the issue and were made public in the podcast released Tuesday. He expressed concern over how the damage occurred despite the presence of many cameras and National Guard personnel.
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