Washington — On Monday, July 14th, 2026, President Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been drained to address damage he said was caused by vandals two weeks prior. "We drained the beautiful 'Reflecting Pool' today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago," the president said.

He explained that "The Parks Department had to empty the water in order to fix the water tight basin." The pool is expected to be refilled and returned to service soon.

The president had launched a renovation effort for the Reflecting Pool in April as part of preparations for the nation's 250th birthday. However, the project encountered difficulties earlier this summer, including algae turning the water fluorescent green and rips appearing in the pool's new surface.

The National Park Service reported last month that the damage was caused by a sharp knife, supporting the president's claims of vandalism, although the nature of the evidence was not specified.

Olympic canoeist David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of ripping out a portion of the sealant from the pool's bottom. Hearn stated he was arrested after reaching into the pool during a 64-mile bike ride.

President Trump described the damage as extensive, saying, "slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs." He added that the administration "wanted to wait until after the July 4th Weekend" to carry out the repairs.

Sources