President Donald Trump is blaming vandals for large spots of dead grass on the National Mall near the World War II Memorial, where he hosted a 4th of July celebration last month.
Trump’s Claim
Trump made the claim without providing evidence, sharing a photo showing an area by the World War II Memorial with patches of brown and dead grass. He wrote on Truth Social that the damage was caused by ‘VANDALS’ and that the Reflecting Pool was also vandalized.
Photos from the celebration show a large bandstand and seating areas covering nearly the entire lawn, which Trump now says was damaged by vandals. However, photos from subsequent days showed workers removing the structures, revealing brown and damaged grass underneath.
Investigation and Arrest
An arrest was made in connection with vandalism at the World War II Memorial after the words ‘Clean hands dirty $’ were found painted on the monument and bubbles filled a fountain. Felony charges are being brought against Melissa Farris.
Charging documents in that case do not mention the once-grassy area Trump referred to in his social media post. Authorities said Farris was previously arrested for camping on federal property a few blocks from the World War II Memorial.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
