White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News to denounce protesters at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where algae growth has plagued a Trump administration restoration project.
Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave, revealed that authorities have arrested at least five people in connection with alleged vandalism at the pool. Police have filed 14 reports related to the incidents.
What Happened
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a $14.8 million restoration project commissioned by the Trump administration. Following completion, algae began growing in the pool, which the administration attributed to deliberate sabotage.
Protesters have gathered at the site, some wearing algae-themed costumes and carrying signs supporting the algae growth. Among those arrested was former U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn, who was detained after touching detached coating at the pool.
President Trump claimed over the weekend that the pool had suffered significant damage, describing a large gash in its structure. On Monday, he posted on Truth Social that “chemicals have been dumped illegally into the water” and that the pool sustained damage requiring potential drainage.
The Response
Leavitt criticized the protesters during her Fox News segment, calling them “deranged leftists” and stating that “only the Democrats could hate beautifying our nation’s capital.”
Democratic lawmakers and Washington residents have inspected the pool and expressed concern about the algae growth. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell told CNN that her constituents were “outraged” by the situation.
Trump reiterated his allegations on Monday, warning that federal law carries a 10-year prison sentence for destruction or attempted destruction of national monuments. He stated the administration would continue efforts to restore the pool despite ongoing opposition.
This story has been updated. CNN’s National Desk contributed to this report.
