A court document released by the White House revealed that the National Park Service (NPS) plans to drain the reflecting pool again after Independence Day to conduct repairs after it was allegedly vandalized.In the document, which was filed in federal court on Thursday, NPS Deputy Director for Operations Frank Lands states that on June 9, U.S.Park Police responded to a report of damage to the reflecting pool.Lands stated that the damage to the pool included caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a "sharp knife or razor" and "destruction of delaminating surface material." He also said approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool.Lands said NPS plans to drain the reflecting pool to conduct repairs, including "assessing and repairing any damage to the lining," and will begin "following the Independence Day celebration."TRUMP SAYS VANDALS USED CHEMICALS TO DAMAGE NEWLY RENOVATED REFLECTING POOL NEAR LINCOLN MEMORIALNational Park Service employees and contractors use vacuums to remove green algae from the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)The damage comes after more than two months of renovations on the reflecting pool ordered by President Donald Trump.Washington, D.C., is expected to host massive crowds for Independence Day celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.Preparations have been set back by additional incidents, including the National Mall being marked with "8647" and a blood-written message on the Washington Monument.Among the incidents cited by the Department of the Interior unfolding on the National Mall were multiple "8647" markings.
The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th president.OLYMPIAN CHARGED IN REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM TIED TO DEM FUNDRAISING GIANT"It wasn't...