Trump warns reflecting pool vandals face up to 10-year prison sentence

President Donald Trump warned of serious legal consequences for what he alleged was the deliberate vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, escalating his rhetoric over the weekend as questions persist about whether the damage to the newly renovated landmark was caused by criminal activity or construction failures.

The controversy centers on the iconic pool on the National Mall, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar refurbishment ahead of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. The project, which included coating the pool’s bottom in an “American flag blue,” quickly drew scrutiny when algae blooms turned the water green and sections of the lining began to peel away.

While administration officials have repeatedly blamed the issues on vandals using sharp objects, independent analyses and engineering experts suggest environmental factors or application defects could be to blame. The dispute has rapidly transformed a high-profile public works project into a political flashpoint over public spending, accountability, and federal law enforcement just days before major July Fourth festivities.

By Sunday, security fencing had been erected around the perimeter of the pool as holiday preparations and maintenance continued.

Trump Vows Strict Penalties

In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform over the past week, Trump described the damage as “purposefully and criminally done,” alleging that vandals cut a “350-foot gash” into the liner, working “probably in the dark of night” to sabotage the site.

In a prior Truth Social post, the president wrote that “work will begin immediately” on fixing the pool after he said he inspected it. “Who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!” he added.

On Sunday, Trump warned in a post that destruction of national monuments could carry lengthy prison sentences, linking to a law firm website that said such offenses may result in penalties of up to 10 years behind bars.

“Damaging or destroying property owned or controlled by the federal government is a federal offense under Title 18 U.S.C. 1361. Convictions can lead to prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the value of the damaged property,” the website reads.

“This law safeguards U.S. property from deliberate destruction or attempted destruction,” according to the website. “It is a specific intent crime, meaning the government must demonstrate that the defendant intentionally defaced or damaged the property with the knowledge that such acts are illegal.”

Arrests and Conflicting Accounts

Law enforcement has intensified its presence on the National Mall. The U.S. Park Police have launched multiple investigations, increased patrols, and reviewed surveillance footage from the area.

According to police reports obtained by media outlets, authorities have filed at least 14 reports related to incident conditions at the pool, resulting in five arrests and five federal citations. Court filings indicate that investigators are looking into reports of debris thrown into the water and cuts made to the pool’s liner with knives or razors.

However, some of those caught in the legal dragnet maintain their innocence, illustrating the confusion surrounding the site.

David Hearn, a 67-year-old cyclist and three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist, arrested by U.S. Park Police last week, denied committing vandalism. Hearn said he merely reached into the water to examine material that was already floating loose.

“I reached in there, and I was able to grab the end of that flapping piece, the already peeling piece,” Hearn told The Washington Post following his arrest. “It was still attached to the bottom. I didn’t remove anything.”

Hearn has been charged with destruction of government property and is scheduled to appear in federal court on July 9.

Construction Integrity Questioned

Despite the administration’s focus on criminal activity, the rapid deterioration of the pool’s new coating has drawn intense technical scrutiny.

The peeling and heavy algae growth became visible almost immediately after the multi-million-dollar renovation was completed. While the administration has not publicly released forensic evidence establishing the precise scale of the alleged vandalism, architectural and coating experts note that underwater liners frequently fail due to improper surface preparation, moisture trapping, or inadequate curing times.

The situation has also sparked concern from environmental advocacy groups. The Center for Biological Diversity recently called for a federal investigation after a dead mallard duckling was found floating in the pool and two others were found floating in a nearby pond.

As the political and technical debate continues, cleaning crews and maintenance workers remain visible at the site. Local officials are racing against the clock to resolve the visual and structural issues before massive crowds descend on the National Mall for the Independence Day holiday.

Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.