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Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames 'vandals'
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- The Reflecting Pool in Washington DC is being drained again following damage blamed on vandals, including bright green algae growth and peeling paint after a $16 million renovation inspired by President Trump.
- Trump accused vandals of cutting a 300 to 350-foot long slit in the pool and possibly adding fertilizer to the water, which contributed to the algae problem, and warned of a 10-year prison sentence for such destruction.
- Five people have been arrested and five others cited by the US Park Police in connection with vandalism of the pool, while the repair company is set to fix the damage under warranty.
- Despite recent upgrades, the pool continues to face longstanding issues such as leaks, algae, and paint deterioration; National Park Service staff have been treating the water with hydrogen peroxide to combat algae.
- Trump criticized media coverage, claiming previous administrations spent over $100 million without success, and stated that any legal proceeds from lawsuits against inaccurate reporting would go to the US Treasury.
