Reflecting Pool Vandalism
National Park Service confirms Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner cut post-rehabilitation
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The liner of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was deliberately slashed with a sharp knife or razor blade, the National Park Service confirmed for the first time in a court filing. Frank Lands, the NPS deputy director of operations, revealed the damage in a declaration filed as part of a federal lawsuit, making him the first Trump administration official to publicly describe specific forensic details about the sabotage Bakersfield Now.
The damage comes after a rushed $16 million rehabilitation project that repainted the iconic pool in "American flag blue." The Department of the Interior says seven people have been arrested, seven federal citations issued, and 18 police reports filed in connection with the incidents KOMO News.
Court Filing Describes Cuts, Foam Damage, and 70 Fence Posts
Lands' sworn declaration describes three types of damage found at the pool. Workers discovered caulk over the foam sealant that had been cut with a sharp knife or razor. They also found destruction of delaminating surface material — meaning layers of the new liner were peeling apart. Roughly 70 fence post tops were thrown into the water WGME.
President Trump went further in public statements, claiming a "350-foot gash" had been carved into the liner. "It was purposefully and criminally done," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that someone "had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night" to cause such damage Fox San Antonio.
A $16 Million No-Bid Project That Went Wrong Fast
The renovation was fast-tracked as part of the "America 250" beautification push ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. A no-bid contract worth $6.89 million was awarded in April 2026 to Atlantic Industrial Coatings. Costs ballooned to nearly $16 million within two months as waterproofing and sealing work were added CBS Austin.
The pool showed visible problems almost immediately after Trump declared it "substantially complete" on June 6. Workers were seen using vacuum pumps and hydrogen peroxide to fight algae blooms that turned the blue water green. Critics note the peeling and algae appeared before the reported June 9 vandalism was discovered Fox 17.
Arrests Made, but One Man Says He Only Touched Loose Liner
Among those arrested was David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist. He was charged with misdemeanor destruction of government property. Hearn says he did not vandalize anything. "The liner was already detached when I touched it," he said, arguing he simply interacted with material that was already failing ABC News 4.
The Department of the Interior said officials delayed announcing the damage to avoid encouraging copycat incidents. "So as not to encourage deranged individuals, we did not announce what we hoped to be an isolated incident," a spokesperson said NewsChannel 9. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro warned those responsible face "years in jail" for destroying a national monument.
Pool Will Be Drained After July 4 to Assess Full Damage
The NPS plans to begin draining the 2,029-foot-long, 6.75-million-gallon basin after Independence Day celebrations. Workers will then assess the full extent of the liner damage and begin repairs. The timing means tourists visiting for the 250th anniversary celebrations will see a green, visibly damaged pool rather than the "crystal clear" blue the administration promised Turn to 10.
The repair company has suggested some work may be covered under warranty. However, the official designation of the damage as criminal vandalism could complicate both insurance claims and contractor liability. The Cultural Landscape Foundation, the nonprofit suing the DOI over the project, argues the blue paint violates the National Historic Preservation Act regardless of how the damage occurred KMPH.
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