Donald Trump, without offering evidence, blamed “vandalism” for “real problems” at Washington’s reflecting pool after an algae bloom in the wake of a $14.2m renovation of the site that he declared would turn it “American flag” blue. Paint has been seen peeling off in the water. He also made claims that vandals had been arrested.
Days after his administration claimed the pool was actually “crystal clear”, despite an unmistakably green hue, the US president acknowledged issues – and claimed there had been foul play.