Story perspectives

Trump Blames Vandals for $14M Reflecting Pool Damage, Indicts Olympian

7/9/2026

Center

Trump Accuses

President Donald Trump said vandals poured chemicals into the Reflecting Pool and cut a 300-foot slit in its liner.
Three individuals were charged with misdemeanor vandalism for removing Reflecting Pool liner sections on June 20 and await August court dates.
Federal prosecutors indicted former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on felony destruction of property.
Cost exceeded $14 million, prompting the Cultural Landscape Foundation to sue over historic-preservation and environmental violations.

Left

Thiers Vandalizes Pool

Body-camera footage shows Cameron Thiers, Sophie Dennison-Gibby and Justin Carreno peeling blue sealant from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Cameron Thiers, Sophie Dennison-Gibby and Justin Carreno have been charged with misdemeanor vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Park Police were assisted by officers from Texas, Oklahoma, Montana and California in detaining suspects.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced crews drained the pool again because of algae and sealant.

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Trump Accuses

President Donald Trump said vandals poured chemicals into the Reflecting Pool and cut a 300-foot slit in its liner.
Three individuals were charged with misdemeanor vandalism for removing Reflecting Pool liner sections on June 20 and await August court dates.
Federal prosecutors indicted former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on felony destruction of property.
Cost exceeded $14 million, prompting the Cultural Landscape Foundation to sue over historic-preservation and environmental violations.

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