White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News to discuss arrests related to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been plagued by algae growth following a Trump administration restoration project.
Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave, revealed that authorities have arrested at least five people in connection with the pool damage. Police have filed 14 reports for vandalism at the site, according to the press secretary.
The Vandalism Allegations
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a $14.8 million restoration project approved by President Donald Trump. After completion, algae began growing in the pool, prompting the Trump administration to allege sabotage by critics.
Protesters have gathered at the site carrying signs supporting the algae. Some wore algae costumes with “team algae” written on them, according to Leavitt’s account.
Among those arrested was former U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn, who told NBC News he was detained for five hours on Friday after touching a detached piece of coating at the pool.
Trump’s Response and Allegations
Trump claimed the pool sustained significant damage, initially stating a “300-foot-long gash” had been cut into it, later revising the measurement to 350 feet. “I saw it. They cut it. They cut it very violently,” Trump told reporters.
In a Truth Social post, Trump alleged that “chemicals have been dumped illegally into the water” and reminded the public of a 10-year prison sentence for destruction of such federal property. Trump said the pool will likely need to be drained again following a meeting with contractors at Camp David.
The Political Dispute
Democratic lawmakers and Washington residents have visited the National Mall to inspect the pool themselves. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell said during a CNN appearance that her constituents are “outraged” by the algae situation.
On Fox News, Leavitt characterized the situation as a political dispute, stating “only the Democrats could hate beautifying our nation’s capital.” She framed the restoration as a campaign promise Trump made to voters.
This story has been updated. CNN’s politics team contributed to this report.
