Federal authorities have arrested at least five individuals in connection with reported vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to White House Deputy Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt disclosed the development during a Fox News interview with host Sean Hannity, noting that 14 police reports have been filed related to the incidents.
The Reflecting Pool, recently restored as part of a $14.8 million project under the Trump administration, has been plagued by algae growth and alleged acts of sabotage. Leavitt, who has been on maternity leave since late April following the birth of her daughter in early May, addressed the situation from outside her regular White House duties.
“Well, the baby is certainly much more enjoyable to talk about, Sean, but the algae is obviously the news of the day, and it is completely ridiculous,” Leavitt said. She described protesters gathering at the site, some wearing algae-themed costumes and carrying “Team Algae” signs, criticizing what she called Democratic opposition to beautifying the nation’s capital. Leavitt emphasized that President Trump had promised to make Washington safe and beautiful again, a commitment she said he has fulfilled.
Among those arrested was former U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn, who told NBC News he was detained for approximately five hours after touching a piece of detached coating at the pool.
President Trump addressed the matter over the weekend following a meeting at Camp David and an aerial inspection via Marine One. He stated the pool will likely need to be drained again and alleged illegal dumping of chemicals into the water, along with a significant structural breach.
“Chemicals have been dumped illegally into the water,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The Reflecting Pool has been torn open with a 300-foot-long gash.” He later described the damage as a “350-foot slit” and warned of enforcement under laws carrying up to a 10-year prison sentence for such destruction. Trump indicated evidence would be presented in court and directed inquiries to the National Park Service and Department of the Interior.
The restoration project has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and local residents. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell told CNN that constituents are “outraged” by the ongoing issues with the pool. Demonstrators have continued to appear at the National Mall ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The Trump administration has vowed to proceed with efforts to restore and maintain the Reflecting Pool despite the reported interference. Investigations into the vandalism remain ongoing.
