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Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames 'vandals' for recent troubles
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Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames 'vandals' for recent troubles

BBC News · Jun 23, 2026, 3:19 AM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Trump said the pool "has been given a 300 foot long gash", and accused someone of putting fertilizer in the water.
  • "I can't help it if somebody goes in with a knife and starts hacking it up," said the president, who priced recent upgrades at about $16m (£12m).
  • Five people have been arrested for vandalism in connection with the Reflecting Pool, and five others were issued federal citations, according to the US Park Police.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Sareen Habeshian Getty Images The Reflecting Pool in Washington DC is set to be drained as US President Donald Trump again blamed vandals for bright green algae and peeling paint that has appeared just weeks after a multi-million dollar renovation.

Trump said the pool "has been given a 300 foot long gash", and accused someone of putting fertilizer in the water.

"I can't help it if somebody goes in with a knife and starts hacking it up," said the president, who priced recent upgrades at about $16m (£12m).

Article preview — originally published by BBC News. Full story at the source.
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