Topline
President Donald Trump said during an Oval Office appearance Wednesday that six people arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the Reflecting Pool should face lengthy prison sentences, as his efforts to refurbish the landmark have been complicated by algae growth and peeling liner material.
Trump addressed the issue while speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday.
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Key Facts
“These people should go to jail for a long time,” Trump said, referring to the individuals accused of damaging the site.
He also cited a federal law that bars the destruction or defacement of government property, an offense that can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Trump further alleged that one of the six people arrested is “a member or big payer to ActBlue,” the Democratic fundraising platform and political action committee.
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“I think they’re in big trouble,” Trump said, adding that the pool had been temporarily “patched.” He claimed the resurfacing material was cut for a stretch of about 350 feet with razor blades and knives.
Who Was Arrested At The Reflecting Pool?
Federal officials have not identified the people who were arrested. However, former U.S. Olympian David Hearn has publicly criticized his arrest, which he said took place last week after he touched a section of coating that had partially come loose from the bottom of the pool.
Key Background
The Department of the Interior said in a post Monday the U.S. Park Police were “conducting an ongoing investigation” into the “300-plus-foot” cut in the pool. Evidence proving Trump’s claim that knives and razors were used to cut the pool has not yet been shared by the president or any federal agency. The claims come as the $16.4 million renovation for the landmark has hit multiple snags. A newly installed dark-blue protective liner began peeling last week, with images showing some pieces of the sealant detached. The pool has also dealt with an algae bloom that has turned the landmark’s water green. Trump sought to remove algae from the pool as part of his renovation and has attempted to battle the ongoing bloom using vacuums, strainers and hydrogen peroxide. Dead ducks have also been found in the Reflecting Pool, triggering an investigation from Washington, D.C.’s, Department of Energy and the Environment.
Further Reading
Blue Paint Seen Peeling Off From Bottom Of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (Photos) (Forbes)
Trump Claims Evidence Will Show Reflecting Pool Vandalism After Arrests (Forbes)
