Washington’s Reflecting Pool to be drained again as Trump warns vandals face prison time

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington’s National ⁠Mall is set to be drained again for repairs just weeks after a $14.7 million renovation, local media reported on Monday (June 22, 2026), as ‌President Donald Trump warned alleged vandals face prison time.

The DC Water authority has issued a permit ‌to drain the 2,000-foot-long (609-meter) rectangular pool, Washington-based WTOP Radio reported, ‌while ⁠the repair company said it would fix the ⁠pool as part of its warranty.

The National Park Service and DC Water did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Peeling paint ​and algae growth have ‌been visible in the pool since soon after Mr.. Trump declared the renovation project complete on June 6. Concerns have been raised about the no-bid contract to recoat the pool ‌ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations next ​month, as well as for the ducks who use its water.

Mr. Trump has blamed vandals for the ⁠state of the landmark, without providing evidence, and on Monday echoed a weekend threat by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to ‌prosecute people accused of attempting to destroy the pool.

“Please remember that there is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced!” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.

Mr. Trump said several arrests have been made. ‌At least five people have been arrested, including a former Olympian who publicly ​denied the charges, while five others were issued citations, according to media reports citing an ⁠administration official. The U.S. Park Police did not immediately respond to ⁠a request for comment.

The company responsible for the renovation work, Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, said on Sunday ‌the areas that required repairs made up “a very small part of the massive 7-acre (2.83-hectare) project, and do not ​indicate a failure of the liner.”