US: Trump threatens prison for Reflecting Pool 'vandalism'
The Trump administration spent $14.7 million repainting the pool "American flag blue" ahead of US' 250th anniversary celebrations. Weeks later, the paint is peeling off
The Trump administration spent $14.7 million repainting the pool "American flag blue" ahead of US' 250th anniversary celebrations. Weeks later, the paint is peeling off and algae has turned the water green. 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 had awarded a $14.7 million (€12.87 million) no-bid contract to Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings to recoat the pool "American flag blue" before the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations next month.
However, soon after the completion of the renovations, the paint started to peel off and the water in the pool turned green due to algae. The 2,000-foot-long (609-meter) rectangular pool will now be drained and re-renovated by the repair company as part of the warranty, officials said on Monday. Vandalism by 'sick, deranged' people, says Trump Trump blamed unspecified "sick, deranged" people for vandalizing the pool. "Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!" the US president posted on his Truth Social platform on Monday.
"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!" he added. He did not provide any proof of the reported vandalism. From the algae blooms to peeling paint and green-tinted water, the reflecting pool has faced a string of setbacks since Trump ordered its renovation Image: Kent Nishimura/AFP Trump also alleged that there was a 290-to-300-foot "slit" through the pool, likely caused by a sharp object. "They went in there with a knife," he said, without providing evidence.
Five people were arrested for vandalizing the pool and five others issued federal citations, according to media reports. Among those arrested was also a former Olympian who has publicly denied the charges. Edited by: Rana Taha Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the "star" or "preferred" button, so you'll always see our verified news first.
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