This past Wednesday, President Trump provided more details from the White House regarding the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the surrounding grass, reiterating his claim that it is a result of intentional vandalism. Per The Hill, during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump claimed that individuals used sharp tools to damage the pool. He has also attributed the Algae growth to vandals.
“They went down with probably a box cutter or a very sharp razor of some kind or a knife, and they cut, and then they started ripping it up,” Trump said. “You know why? Because they’re sick people.” He stated, “These people should go to jail for a long time,” while describing the situation as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The president also noted that some water will be drained to address the repairs, potentially occurring either before or after July 4.
