Trump Repeats Reflecting Pool Vandalism Claims as White House Cites 17 Police Reports, Six Arrests

WASHINGTON, Jun 23: Six people have been arrested in connection with incidents at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Monday, as President Donald Trump repeated claims that vandalism caused damage to the recently renovated site.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump alleged that a long cut had been made in the pool’s lining, describing it as a “350-foot slit” caused by a knife or box cutter. He did not provide photographic or video evidence when asked.

“I saw it. They cut it. They cut it very violently,” Trump said. “The same thing with the floor. They cut it and then they lifted it.”

When reporters noted that journalists who visited the site had reported no visible evidence of such a cut, Trump said federal officials could provide further information.

“You’d have to go see the Parks Department. They’ll show it to you,” he said.

Leavitt, speaking separately on Fox News, said the National Park Service had recorded 17 police reports at the Reflecting Pool in recent days.

“The vandalism is very real,” she said. “There’s actually been six arrests at the Reflecting Pool.”

The Reflecting Pool, which recently underwent renovations costing about $16 million, has also faced issues including algae buildup and peeling paint. Trump suggested that fertilizer may have been placed in the water, contributing to the algae.

Trump first made the vandalism allegation over the weekend on Truth Social, where he described a “250-foot-long gash” in the pool’s lining. Last month, he had praised the durability of the pool’s lining, saying it was so strong that it could not be cut with a knife.