On Sunday, August 10th, 2026, President Donald Trump acknowledged that there is "no video or proof" of alleged vandalism to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after weeks of asserting that damage to the pool's surface was caused deliberately by saboteurs. Trump wrote on social media, "There was substantial other damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or proof, other than the damage, itself."

The president attributed some of the damage to "contractor error done by rushing the job for a July 4th opening," describing the affected area as "a very small area of this massive Pool" and "relatively inconsequential." He also stated that contractors are "working on the Pool, and it will reopen shortly."

Despite acknowledging the lack of evidence and contractor mistakes, Trump reiterated accusations against former Olympian David Hearn. Hearn, who pleaded not guilty in July to a felony destruction of property charge, has maintained he did not damage the pool. Prosecutors moved to drop charges after new evidence showed the section Hearn was accused of damaging was already in disrepair upon his arrival.

On Monday, August 11th, Hearn's lawyers said they were "reviewing all legal remedies" in response to what they described as "continued harassment."

Trump also publicly stated, "I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro," though the context of this disagreement was not detailed.

Security cameras have been installed and are being installed at the site to monitor the area going forward.

Sources