Trump says Washington Reflecting Pool restored, warns monument vandals of 10 years in prison | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday (local time) that the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC has been in full operation for the past two days and also informed the public that the government will be draining the pool and repairing the damage that was done to the “very expensive” waterproof mat.
The US president also warned vandals against attacking monuments in Washington DC, saying anyone caught could face up to 10 years behind bars.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump blamed ‘Vandals and Radical Left SCUM’ for the damage to the Reflecting Pool, saying: “The Reflection Pool, which has suffered a lot of damage due to Vandals and Radical Left SCUM who hate our country, has been in full operation for the past two days. It looks beautiful! After July 4th, we will do very expensive damage, repair the water and repair the waterproof water. sharp knives and muscles, including 350 feet long bangs on the right side, and make it look as good as it did two weeks ago when it was absolutely PERFECT!”
“It’s all going to happen very quickly. Security is keeping a very close eye on the nearly 70 other monuments, statues and fountains we’ve restored all over Washington, DC. If anyone attacks any of them, they get up to 10 years in prison. By all means, go see it — the Reflecting Pool is spectacular! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP also said,” he said.
Trump’s claim that vandals were responsible for the damage to the pool liner was without evidence. Court documents filed this week show the National Park Service reported the June 9 incident to the U.S. Park Police in which a sharp knife or razor cut the pool’s new liner, the AP reported.
National Guard members and park police patrolled the deck around the pool. The Associated Press has verified that one man was arrested after touching the already peeling paint. He said he wanted to examine the new paint, briefly touched the still-attached piece, then let go shortly after a park worker told him to. At one point this week, crews were seen adding fencing near the area, which the administration attributed to preparations for Fourth of July celebrations.
Washington’s Security Challenges for America 250
America’s security agencies are gearing up for an intense few weeks in office as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary of freedom.
The opportunity comes amid rising political violence in the nation’s capital, including recent shooting incidents near the White House, and a president who enjoys being the center of attention at public events despite repeated attempts on his life.
“It will come as no surprise to you that D.C. is a target-rich environment on a typical day,” Darren B. Cox, deputy director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, said at a recent news conference detailing security preparations, according to an AP report. “We are ready for any threats.”
