The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has become a focal point of controversy ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. President Donald Trump recently stated that six people have been arrested in connection with damage to the pool, which has been plagued by algae bloom and peeling paint since its rehabilitation.

Vandalism Claims and Arrests

Trump claimed without evidence that there was a ‘350-foot gash’ in the paint and blamed the damage on vandalism. The U.S. Park Police and the Interior Department have not commented on the arrests or Trump’s claim of vandalism. However, the Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after touching the already-peeling paint, stating he wanted to examine the new coating.

National Guard members and Park Police have been patrolling the area around the pool after Trump insisted that vandals were responsible for the damage. Crews were seen adding fencing near the pool, with an Interior spokeswoman stating that the fencing was part of the original plan to ensure the area’s safety ahead of the 4th of July celebrations.

Environmental Concerns and Duck Deaths

An environmental group has called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate the death of a Mallard duckling found in the algae-filled pool. The group claims that the pool’s condition is a result of wasting taxpayer money and is a ‘giant duck death trap.’ City Wildlife, a Washington-based rescue and rehabilitation non-profit, stated that they could not comment on the cause of the duckling’s death as its carcass was not recovered for examination.

The Reflecting Pool’s renovation project has been plagued by issues, including the growth of algae and the peeling of the new coating. Trump had pledged to beautify the pool ahead of the anniversary celebrations, but the project has been marred by controversy and environmental concerns.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.