White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized activists protesting at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a Fox News appearance Monday.
Leavitt, who returned to media duties after maternity leave, disclosed that authorities have arrested at least five people in connection with alleged vandalism at the pool. Police have filed 14 reports related to the incident, she stated.
What Happened
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a $14.8 million restoration project approved by the Trump administration. Following completion, algae growth emerged in the pool, prompting accusations from officials that critics sabotaged the work.
Protesters have gathered at the site carrying signs in support of the algae. Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn was detained for five hours Friday after touching detached coating at the pool, he told NBC News.
President Trump said the pool would likely require draining again after meeting with contractors at Camp David. He inspected the site via Marine One on Sunday, according to administration statements.
The Statements
“It’s unbelievable to see these people, these deranged leftists, in algae costumes,” Leavitt told host Sean Hannity, calling the situation “completely ridiculous.”
Trump posted on Truth Social that “chemicals have been dumped illegally into the water” and claimed a large breach exists in the pool. “There is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced!” he wrote.
The president later told reporters the damage measured “350-foot slit from one end to the other,” saying “They cut it. They cut it very violently.”
The Response
Democratic lawmakers and Washington residents have inspected the pool and expressed concern. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell said constituents are “outraged” by the algae during a CNN appearance.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
