US President Donald Trump threatened “a 10-year prison sentence” to anyone caught vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC, after the recently renovated structure lost its blue color within weeks of renovation.
The Trump administration awarded a no-bid contract to Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings for $14.7 million (€12.87 million) to paint the pool “American flag blue” ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations next month.
However, soon after the renovation was completed, the paint began to peel off and the pool water turned green due to algae.
The 2,000-foot-long (609 m) rectangular pool will now be drained and refurbished by a repair company as part of its warranty, officials said Monday.
Trump says vandalism by ‘sick, deranged’ people
Trump blamed unspecified “sick, deranged” people for vandalizing the pool.
“Of the many sculptures and fountains we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned and repaired, the only one that was broken was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of as soon as possible!” The US President posted on his Truth social platform on Monday.
“Please remember that destroying, or even attempting to destroy, such items carries a penalty of 10 years in prison – which will be fully enforced!” He added.
He provided no evidence of the alleged vandalism.
Trump also alleged that there was a 290 to 300-foot “tear” through the pool, possibly caused by a sharp object.
“They went there with a knife,” he said, without providing evidence.
According to media reports, five people were arrested and five others were issued federal citations for vandalizing the pool. Those arrested included a former Olympian who has publicly denied the allegations.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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