Interior Secretary Reveals Unreported Threats Against Trump Near Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum revealed Saturday that authorities have uncovered previously undisclosed incidents involving threatening messages directed at President Donald Trump both inside and around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News, Burgum said law enforcement has already made seven arrests connected to vandalism at the historic site, while numerous additional incidents remain under investigation.
“We’ve had seven arrests, a number of other citations, 18 police reports,” Burgum said. “There’s multiple cases both on the grass and in the pool that we had not reported before we even filled it up where people were making threatening messages to President Trump.”
Burgum praised the administration’s efforts to restore and preserve national monuments while condemning those responsible for the vandalism.
“President Trump came to DC to try and drain the swamp and some of these folks are trying to bring it back,” Burgum said. “It is, as he says, it’s crazy.”
Among the incidents cited by officials were large “8647” markings carved into areas surrounding the reflecting pool. Trump supporters have interpreted the numbers as a reference to removing or harming the nation’s 47th president.
The Interior Department has also pointed to other acts of vandalism involving damage near the site and surrounding attractions.
Burgum emphasized the historic significance of the reflecting pool, noting that the 2,028-foot landmark has been part of the Lincoln Memorial complex since the 1920s and recently underwent a major restoration project approved by President Trump.
The renovation included the application of a distinctive blue sealant intended to improve the appearance and durability of the pool.
According to Burgum, damage inflicted on the reflecting pool should be viewed with the same seriousness as vandalism directed at the Lincoln Memorial itself.
“When people are using box cutters to do vandalism on this thing, it’s the same as if they were throwing paint on Lincoln’s statue in the eyes of the law,” he said.
President Trump previously claimed vandals had cut a massive gash into the lining of the pool using a knife or box cutter, causing extensive damage to the recently completed restoration work.
Trump has also accused vandals of introducing chemicals or other substances into the water to intentionally trigger algae growth that required workers to conduct emergency cleanup efforts.
Officials have not publicly released evidence supporting those allegations, though the White House has circulated surveillance footage from June 19 that it says shows suspects damaging government property near the memorial.
The US Park Police continue to seek information regarding individuals believed to be connected to the incidents as the investigation remains ongoing.