The Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool, one of Washington’s best-known monuments, became the target of a political and legal dispute after presenting problems just weeks after an almost US$15 million renovation carried out during the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The issue gained momentum after Trump stated that the site was the target of vandalism and defended severe punishments for those responsible, while critics point out possible flaws in the revitalization work itself.
What happened?
The reflecting pool reopened in early June after a renovation valued at US$14.7 million. A few weeks later, problems arose, such as the detachment of a blue layer installed at the bottom of the pool.
Over the weekend, several people observed or touched the material that was coming loose. According to the Department of the Interior, five people were arrested for vandalism, another five received federal notifications and 14 police reports were filed.
Among those detained is . He stated to CNN who only touched a piece of the covering that had already come off and denied any act of vandalism.
What does Trump say?
Trump claimed the reflecting pool was deliberately vandalized.
In a publication on the Truth Social network, the president recalled that the destruction of federal property can result in sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
Later, in a conversation with journalists in the Oval Office, he stated that the pool liner had a cut of around 90 meters, a figure that he later increased to more than 100 meters.
According to Trump, the damage was caused by someone using a knife or box cutter.
“It was cut in a very violent way,” declared the president, adding that images of the alleged damage would be released “at the right time.”
Pressed on whether he had proof of that, Trump said: “Let’s put it this way: When you have a, I think it’s more than 100 meters, a cut of more than 100 meters from one end to the other, do you think that’s proof?”
Trump also suggested, without providing evidence, that someone could have put substances in the water to cause algae blooms.
What charges can be applied?
To date, the offenses recorded involve minor charges related to vandalism, disorderly conduct and damage to public property.
However, Trump defended the application of more serious charges.
The federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said the cases will be reviewed and that more severe charges may be considered if evidence of more significant intentional harm is found.
In the United States, the destruction of federal property can be classified as a federal crime when it causes significant damage, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000.
Why did the case become a political dispute?
The episode turned into yet another topic of confrontation between Trump’s allies and critics.
Supporters of the president claim that the alleged vandalism demonstrates an attempt to sabotage revitalization projects supported by the White House.
Opponents argue that the problems arise from the execution of the work itself and criticize Trump for focusing attention on the water mirror while the United States faces challenges related to the war involving Iran and the rise in fuel and food prices.
Furthermore, environmental groups and organizations challenging the reform in court say that the appearance of algae and the peeling of the coating reinforce suspicions that the project was carried out in an accelerated manner to meet political deadlines.
Critics also point out an apparent contradiction between Trump’s current position on damage to public property and the decision to grant pardons to more than a thousand participants in the acts of January 6, 2021, including people convicted of vandalizing the United States Capitol.
The comparison has been used by opponents to question the defense of severe punishments in the case of the reflecting pool.
What happens now?
Authorities have already approved a new drainage of the water surface for repairs. The company responsible for the work stated that it will correct the problems under warranty.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are reviewing police records to decide whether to file formal charges against those involved.
The case remains under investigation and no public evidence has yet been released to confirm Trump’s allegations about intentional cuts in the water liner or sabotage.
(With input from Michael Williams, Katelyn Polantz and Betsy Klein of CNN)
