Alleged 350-Foot Gash at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Fuels Dispute

In June 2026 the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool received a $14 million resurfacing that added a blue waterproof membrane and a new grass field ahead of the nation’s 250th-anniversary. President Donald Trump soon asserted that vandals had cut a long incision, first a 250-foot gash, then a 300-foot, and finally a 350-foot slit.

HuffPost

President Donald Trump posted the claims on Truth Social. U.S. Department of the Interior, overseeing the National Park Service, issued statements. The National Park Service manages the pool while U.S. Park Police investigate. National Guard troops patrolled the site on June 22, 2026.

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June 22, 2026: National Guard began patrols. June 23, 2026: Trump announced a 250-foot gash, later revised to 300 ft and 350 ft; Interior announced six arrests and seven citations. June 24, 2026: A HuffPost reporter found no visible cut.

HuffPost

The president described gash lengths of 250, 300 and 350 feet. The renovation cost exceeded $14 million. Six people were arrested and seven citations issued; earlier reports cited five arrests. Trump warned of a possible 10-year prison term for destruction.

Forbes

The White House said a knife cut the pool and promised visual proof, which has not been released. The Interior Department, via X, accused the media of covering up “criminals who desecrated a great American monument” and confirmed the Park Police investigation. The National Park Service declined comment on damage or photographs.

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Historic preservationists warned the work could damage the monument’s fabric, while scientists said the resurfacing may worsen algae blooms. A HuffPost reporter, unable to see a multi-hundred-foot cut, cited dense algae as an obstacle and noted the lack of released photos.

HuffPost

• Trump’s gash length statements differ (250, 300, 350 ft).

HuffPost

• No visual evidence has been provided.

Forbes

• Arrest numbers vary between five and six.

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• No explanation explains how a knife could make a 350-foot slit under guard presence.

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• “They took some form of knife or blade, and put a 250 foot long gash into the beautiful facade of what took so much work, competence, and money to build and complete,” — Donald Trump, President

HuffPost

• “It has been given a 300 foot long gash,” — Donald Trump, President

HuffPost

• “When you have a 350-foot — I think it’s 350, not 250 — when you have a 350-foot slit from one end to the other… you think that’s proof?” — Donald Trump, President

HuffPost

• “Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things - Which will be fully enforced!” — Donald Trump, President

HuffPost

Trump said the pool will be partially drained for repairs either immediately before or after the Fourth of July. The Interior Department says the investigation continues and that visual evidence may appear in court.

Forbes