Watch: Trump blames "vandals" for condition of the Reflecting Pool
The Reflecting Pool in Washington DC is scheduled to be drained as US President Donald Trump once again attributed the presence of bright green algae and peeling paint to vandalism. These issues have emerged just weeks after a multi-million dollar renovation.
Trump stated that the pool "has been given a 300 foot long gash" and accused an unknown party of introducing fertilizer into the water.
"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!"
When questioned by CBS News about evidence supporting the claim of the slit, the president responded that proof would be presented in court.
The US Park Police reported that five individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool, while five others received federal citations.
Why has the renovated Reflecting Pool turned green?
According to , the DC Water authority announced on Monday that it has issued a permit to drain the pool.
The company responsible for the repairs has committed to fixing the rectangular structure under the terms of its warranty.
The BBC has reached out to the DC Water authority and the National Park Service for comments.
The Reflecting Pool was last fully drained in April this year for the renovation inspired by Trump and was refilled earlier this month.
Constructed in the 1920s, the Reflecting Pool stretches 2,030 feet (619 meters) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It has historically faced challenges including leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth, and bird droppings.
Despite the recent renovation, the pool continues to experience algae problems and has developed issues with the deep blue paint applied to its bottom as part of the upgrade.
In recent days, National Park Service personnel have applied hydrogen peroxide to the water in an effort to eliminate the algae. Additionally, sections of paint have begun peeling off and floating to the surface, where visitors have been removing them.
Trump’s response and legal threats
On Monday, Trump reiterated a warning previously issued by US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro, who pledged to prosecute anyone found responsible for damaging 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!"
Later the same day, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump claimed that someone had cut a slit in the pool, which he now estimated to be 350 feet (107 meters) long, and mentioned that "somebody said they might have put fertiliser there," contributing to the algae growth.
"I can't help it if somebody goes in with a knife and starts hacking it up,"
said the president, who valued the recent upgrades at approximately $16 million (£12 million).
Trump, who observed the site from a helicopter while returning from Camp David, had indicated a day earlier that the pool might require draining and refilling a second time within the month.
Trump threatens legal action against ABC News
Meanwhile, Trump announced plans to sue ABC News over its coverage of the pool.
On Monday, he criticized the network, stating that his administration was preparing lawsuits against ABC News for allegedly inaccurate reporting about the pool, and that any proceeds from such legal actions would be directed to the US Treasury.
"ABC 'failed to report that their close 'friends,' Dumocrats Obama and Biden, spent over 100 Million Dollars on the Reflecting Pool, and it never worked,'"
Trump wrote, using his nickname for the opposition party.
"I spent approximately 16 Million Dollars, and it came out great, except for the Vandalism, which we are now fixing. It was also a much bigger job than originally envisioned, including the outer areas and sidewalks."
The BBC has contacted ABC News for comment.
Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool after arrest
