White House Doubles Down on Vandalism Claims
The press release included links to grainy photos and footage of an individual bending down and seemingly removing something from the pool, which were released by the U.S. Park Police on Wednesday along with a notice asking for any information about the person depicted. Park Police said the incident happened on June 19—10 days after police received a report that the caulk over foam sealant at the pool was cut with a knife, according to a court filing from Wednesday. In a statement to the AP on Thursday, an Interior Department spokesperson said the earlier vandalism was “under investigation and believed to be isolated,” and did not publicize the incident in order to avoid inspiring copycats. The Interior Department also said it found pieces nearby of fencing that were “forcibly removed and thrown into the pool,” another incident noted in the Wednesday court filing.
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Key Background
President Donald Trump drained the Reflecting Pool earlier this year to make room for extensive renovations, including painting the basin “American flag blue,” which he has estimated cost about $16 million. The pool was refilled earlier in June in preparation for Independence Day, but a massive algae bloom returned days later. Visitors also began noticing what appeared to be paint or lining peeling from the pool’s basin. Trump and the Interior Department previously announced at least six people were arrested and seven issued citations for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool.
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Further Reading
Forbes‘Taxpayer Dollars…Flushed Down The Drain’: Democrat Probes Reflecting Pool Contractors Linked To TrumpBy Sara Dorn