Topline
President Donald Trump suggested in an Oval Office appearance Wednesday that the six people arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Reflecting Pool this week should spend years behind bars, delivering a series of critical comments as his makeover of the landmark has been disrupted by algae blooms and peeling lining.
Key Facts
Trump said, “These people should go to jail for a long time,” referring to the alleged vandals.
He then mentioned a federal statute prohibiting destruction or defacing of federal property, which carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison.
Trump then claimed one of the six people is “a member or big payer to ActBlue,” a political action committee and fundraising platform for Democrats.
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“I think they’re in big trouble,” Trump added, saying the pool has been temporarily “patched” and claiming the resurfacing material was cut 350 feet long using razor blades and knives.
Who Was Arrested At The Reflecting Pool?
Federal authorities have not released the names of those arrested, though former U.S. Olympian David Hearn has publicly spoken out against his arrest, which occurred last week after he touched a piece of coating that was partially detached 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)