Trump Says Chemicals Were Illegally Placed In Reflecting Pool, Warns Vandals Face 10 Years In Prison
President Donald Trump warned Monday that anyone caught vandalizing the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool could face up to a decade behind bars after reports of damage to the recently renovated landmark.
“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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president claimed the pool had suffered significant damage, including a “300 foot long gash,” chemicals that had been “illegally placed in the water,” and destruction to a nearby grass field where “86 47” had allegedly been chemically carved into the lawn.
Trump also suggested the incident may have been inspired by former FBI Director James Comey, writing that the vandalism was “Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!”
The president reminded the public that federal law imposes severe penalties for damaging national monuments and memorials.
“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!” Trump wrote.
The remarks came three days after former U.S. Olympic canoer David Hearn was arrested near the Reflecting Pool. Authorities accused Hearn of vandalizing the recently renovated site after he reached out and touched a detached piece of liner floating in the water.
Hearn, 57, has denied causing any damage. He said he was drawn to the Reflecting Pool because of its newly installed “American flag blue” liner, which had reportedly been deteriorating amid an algae bloom.
“I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything,” Hearn said. “By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs. I reached in there, and I was able to grab the end of that flapping piece, the already peeling piece. It was still attached to the bottom. I didn’t remove anything.”
Video of the incident spread widely online, showing Hearn appearing confused as members of the National Guard confronted him before U.S. Park Police placed him in handcuffs.
Hearn has been charged with misdemeanor destruction of government property and is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.
The Reflecting Pool recently underwent extensive renovations as part of restoration efforts across federal monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized preserving national landmarks and enforcing penalties against acts of vandalism targeting historic sites.