Authorities began installing fencing and cameras around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as President Donald Trump alleges vandals have been destroying the administration’s multimillion-dollar renovations at the site.
Workers began erecting a chain-link fence around the pool’s perimeter on Tuesday evening, alongside overhead cameras installed by the pool’s edge, which can be seen in a livestream video from MS NOW. A spokesperson for the Interior Department told the Washington Examiner the fencing was set to go up before July 4 celebrations but was installed early because of the alleged vandalism.
“The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July. As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool so fencing is put up to ensure public safety. With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site,” the Interior Department spokesperson said.
TMZ reported that the cameras around the pool are AI-powered and were installed after Trump said vandals carved a 300-foot gash into the pool. The Interior Department did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment on the cameras.
“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!” Trump posted on Truth Social Monday.
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The reflecting pool has been under the microscope among Beltway pundits in recent months, with the fluctuating “American flag blue” paint renovation costs, the algae growth, and the alleged vandalism to the grounds. The Washington Examiner also spotted a dead duckling in the pool, which sparked concerns about the algae being toxic for the surrounding wildlife.
Washington, D.C.‘s Department of Energy and Environment is investigating the duck’s death, according to NOTUS.