Trump Threatens 10-Year Jail Term for Vandalism at Renovated Reflecting Pool
US President Donald Trump warned on Monday that anyone found guilty of vandalising the refurbished Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington could face up to 10 years in prison. The pool, which Trump ordered to be drained and repainted, has recently developed algae blooms and peeling paint, which the president attributed to vandalism without providing evidence.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: 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!
He added: 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!
Law enforcement officials from the National Park Service informed the AFP news agency that five individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the pool, and five others have been issued federal citations.
The 610-meter-long reflecting pool, a landmark near the Lincoln Memorial, had been drained and repainted with a coating described as American flag blue
as part of Trump’s renovation initiative. However, soon after the work was completed, the coating began to peel and algae turned the water a greenish colour, prompting the president’s allegations of sabotage.
Critics of the president have pointed to the pool’s problems as symbolic of what they describe as a chaotic administration. Trump, a real estate developer before entering politics, has blamed unspecified sick, deranged
individuals for the damage.
The president has undertaken several beautification projects in Washington, including a plan to build a large ballroom at the White House. These efforts have drawn criticism over costs, lack of transparency in contract awards, and perceived extravagance during a period of high inflation.
