A National Park Service official recently confirmed that the liner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was sliced by a sharp tool. Frank Lands, deputy director of operations, submitted a court filing stating that US Park Police investigated reports of damage on June 9. The incident compromised foam sealant applied during a major renovation project. While President Donald Trump previously alleged vandals caused a significant gash and introduced fertilizer into the water, the official court record specifies that the foam’s protective caulk was cut and fence post tops were discarded into the basin.
This disclosure emerged as part of a lawsuit brought by a nonprofit group challenging construction activities at the site. The 2,000-foot-long pool had undergone a two-month restoration costing millions to waterproof its concrete base, yet it subsequently experienced issues with algae blooms and peeling paint. Although five individuals were arrested and five others cited for vandalism, the exact timing of the liner damage remains unverified. The National Park Service intends to drain the pool after the July 4 holiday to perform necessary assessments and repairs on the lining.