U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (June 22) threatened a long prison term for anyone caught vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as officials vowed to bring charges following problems with the newly renovated landmark.

In a social media post, Trump said the pool had suffered a “300 foot long gash” and alleged that chemicals had been illegally poured into the water, warning that offenders could face up to 10 years in prison.

The comments come after issues emerged at the historic site, where newly applied blue coating has been seen peeling from the bottom and algae turned the water green just days after a $14.7 million renovation was completed earlier this month.

U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro said authorities would pursue charges against anyone caught damaging the pool, adding that even minor offenses would be prosecuted to maintain safety in the capital.

The Reflecting Pool, a more than 2,000-foot-long landmark between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, was drained and repainted as part of preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.

Despite the overhaul, workers have been battling an algae bloom, using treatments including hydrogen peroxide in an effort to restore the water’s appearance. [reuters.com]

Visitors at the site expressed mixed reactions. Some pointed to visible peeling and questioned whether the damage was caused by vandalism or construction problems, while others said the controversy reflected broader political divisions.

Law enforcement officials said citations have already been issued in connection with alleged vandalism, and investigations are ongoing.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Trump threatens prison over 'vandalized' Reflecting Pool

VIDEO SHOWS: TRUTH SOCIAL POST BY US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP ON REFLECTING POOL, VIEWS OF REFLECTING POOL, SOUNDBITES FROM VISITORS

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: INTERNET (JUNE 22, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access all)

1. TRUTH SOCIAL POST BY US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, READING (English): "Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP! It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!). 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! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT."

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES (JUNE 22, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

2. VIEW OF REFLECTING POOL, LINCOLN MEMORIAL IN THE BACKGROUND

3. VIEW OF WATER

4. CLOSE OF PEELED OFF PAINT

5. PEOPLE WALKING NEXT TO REFLECTING POOL

6. BYSTANDERS ON THE EDGE OF THE REFLECTING POOL

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURISTS FROM NEVADA, GRETCHEN HURNER, SAYING:

"Well, from what I read, the algae wouldn't have had time to bloom unless it was planted. So I just think that because there's such a division in our country and people are so upset about politics. That instead of coming together and celebrating our country for our 250th birthday, they are keeping the hostilities alive and we need to have people who worry about, like I said, issues and not worry about politics."

8. VARIOUS OF PEELED OFF PAINT

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) RESIDENT OF FALLS CHURCH, REBECCA BULLS, SAYING:

"But it seemed like it was very rushed, you know, drain the whole pond. I don't I think the contractors were well vetted. I think that was all just kind of pushed through, all kind of like rush, rush, rush, rush, because, you know, if they wanted to really tackle the problem, maybe they could have started like two or three years ago instead of just a few months back. I found it really shocking, actually, when it was drained and the presidential motorcade was driving down the middle of it. Me personally, I found that very shocking, and it was just a publicity stunt. And then it's taxpayers' dollars going to this. So I don't think the contractors weren't well vetted."

10. PEOPLE WALKING NEXT TO REFLECTING POOL

11. MORE OF PEELED PAINT

12. PEOPLE TALKING

13. (SOUNDBITE) (English) VISITOR, GARY KUINTERLIJ, SAYING:

"It's actually coming off the surface of the pool. It's proof that the man didn't cut the lining. It's actually flaking off."

14. TAKING PHOTO OF REFLECTING POOL

15. NATIONAL GUARD NEXT TO POOL

16. MEDIA NEXT TO REFLECTING POOL

17. WIDE VIEW OF POOL