Trump acknowledges ‘real problems’ at reflecting pool after $14m makeover, blaming ‘vandalism’
US president also claims vandals have been arrested, as Washington attraction sees algae bloom and peeling paint
TL;DR
- Donald Trump blamed "vandalism" for "real problems" at Washington's reflecting pool, which has experienced an algae bloom and peeling paint after a $14.2 million renovation.
- Trump claimed arrests had been made for vandalism, including an etching of "86 47" on nearby grass and damage to the pool's interior surface.
- A three-time US Olympian, David Hearn, was arrested after touching the water, but stated he did not vandalize the pool.
- The Department of Interior stated that "advanced nanobubbler technology" had killed algae and their team was vacuuming it up, though the water remained murky and paint was peeling.
- Laboratory testing identified the algae as Scenedesmus.
- The renovation project's contracting process is under scrutiny, with reports of a no-bid contract awarded to a business tied to a Trump supporter.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the situation as emblematic of the Trump presidency.