White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt returned to television to criticize activists protesting at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after algae growth affected a Trump administration restoration project.
Leavitt appeared on Fox News to discuss the situation at the pool, which underwent a $14.8 million restoration effort. She said authorities have arrested at least five people in connection with alleged vandalism, with 14 police reports filed.
What Happened
Algae began growing in the Reflecting Pool following the completion of the restoration project. Activists have gathered at the site carrying signs and wearing costumes in support of the algae growth.
Among those arrested was David “Davey” Hearn, a former U.S. Olympic canoeist, who told NBC News he was detained for five hours on Friday after touching a piece of detached coating at the pool.
President Donald Trump inspected the pool over the weekend and said Monday it would likely need to be drained again. Trump alleged on Truth Social that “chemicals have been dumped illegally into the water” and claimed there was a 300-foot to 350-foot gash in the pool’s lining.
Official Response
Leavitt, who returned from maternity leave, called the protesters “deranged leftists” during her Fox News appearance. “It’s unbelievable to see these people in algae costumes with ‘team algae’ on their backs,” she said.
Trump reiterated allegations that the pool was under attack ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. He warned that a 10-year prison sentence applies to destruction or attempted destruction of national monuments, stating it “will be fully enforced.”
Democratic Opposition
The situation has prompted concern from Democratic lawmakers and Washington residents who have visited the National Mall to inspect the pool. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell said during a CNN appearance that her constituents are “outraged” by the algae growth.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
