U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he speaks to reporters before signing two executive orders regarding quantum computing, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
President Donald Trump claimed over the weekend that the Reflecting Pool was being "vandalized" and that someone carved a 250-foot gash into the pool. As one pool expert explained, that's impossible because the material used is puncture-proof. To make such a gash, vandals would need significant equipment and it would be more difficult to go undetected. Even before Trump deployed more National Guard soldiers to the pool, Park Police patrolled the area.
Trump's story about the large "gash" in the lining evolved over 48 hours and the size became anywhere from 250 feet to 350 feet. While one Truth Social post claimed 300 feet, Trump mixed it up when speaking to the press.
CNN pointed out in its report, that he "increased the size of the alleged gash."
"Well, let's put it this way, when you have a 350, I think it's 350, not 250, a 350-ft slit. From one end to the other. Tampering with federal property carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison," Trump said.
CNN remarked that Trump made the comment "without evidence."
Charges for destruction of federal property were one of the charges used against Jan. 6 attackers who destroyed parts of the U.S. Capitol building. Olympian David Hearn told the press that he was cited for "destruction in defacing Government property and disobeying a Government employee," CNN said. The latter isn't a specific law unless it involves disobeying law enforcement or obstructing justice. He's being represented by Trump legal foe Norm Eisen.
When asked what proof the administration has that someone carved such a gash, Trump claimed that there were videos of the vandalism and that they would come out "in court."
Trucks have now been brought in with equipment and mounted cameras for such surveillance.
CNN called it "one $14 million green-hued pool" that is "overflowing with controversy."
Washington D.C., U.S. Attorney General Jeanine Pirro told Fox News that "several citations have been handed out" and that "these are cases that will be prosecuted."
One TMZ video showed a woman who was given nothing more than a "citation," the report said.