President Donald Trump says authorities have now arrested six people and cited seven others in connection with alleged vandalism at Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, escalating a controversy surrounding the recently renovated landmark.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump claimed the damage was deliberate and extensive, describing a “350-foot gash” that he said was created using sharp blades or knives. According to the president, the damage consisted of numerous cuts stretching across a large section of the pool’s surface.

Trump’s Latest Claims

Trump argued that the destruction could not have happened accidentally and suggested it was carried out intentionally during nighttime hours.

“The 350-foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350-foot length,” he wrote. “It was purposefully and criminally done.”

The president also claimed that another section of the pool’s surface had been cut and forcibly lifted, leaving behind jagged edges that will require permanent repairs.

Reflecting Pool Problems Spark National Attention

The controversy follows weeks of scrutiny surrounding the Reflecting Pool after a multimillion-dollar renovation project. Shortly after work was completed, visitors and media outlets documented algae blooms, discoloration, and sections of the new surface appearing to peel away.

Trump and administration officials have repeatedly blamed vandalism for many of the problems. However, some reports have noted that authorities have not publicly released evidence supporting all of the president’s claims regarding the extent of the alleged sabotage.

Arrests and Citations Reported

Federal authorities have confirmed multiple arrests and citations related to alleged tampering or vandalism at the site. Earlier reports indicated at least five arrests and additional citations had been issued as law enforcement increased its presence around the landmark.

One of the most widely reported incidents involved former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who said he was detained after touching a section of detached material in the pool. Hearn has denied causing any damage.

Repairs Planned Ahead of July Celebrations

Despite the damage claims, Trump insisted the Reflecting Pool remains visually impressive and said additional repairs will be carried out either shortly before or after Independence Day celebrations.

The administration plans to partially drain the pool again to complete what Trump described as permanent repairs. The project comes as Washington prepares for events connected to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Questions Remain

While the number of arrests and citations has grown, questions remain about what caused the visible deterioration at the Reflecting Pool and how much damage can be attributed to vandalism versus construction or maintenance issues.

For now, federal investigators continue to examine the incidents as crews prepare for another round of repairs at one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks.