Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says

Key Points:

• The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor in June, damaging the foam sealant installed during a $16 million rehabilitation project, according to National Park Service officials.
• The U.S. Park Police responded to the damage on June 9, which also included fence tops thrown into the pool; the Interior Department initially considered the vandalism an isolated incident but later recognized it as a recurring trend.
• President Trump and administration officials have blamed unidentified vandals for damage to the pool, with seven arrests and multiple citations reported, though details remain sparse.
• The renovation, aimed at beautifying the pool before the nation's 250th birthday, has faced issues including algae blooms and peeling paint, prompting calls from Democrats for investigations into no-bid contracts and project management.
• The National Park Service plans to drain the pool after Independence Day to assess and repair the liner damage, while advocacy groups and lawmakers demand accountability and transparency regarding the project's failures.