President Donald Trump announced Saturday that U.S. Park Police had arrested multiple individuals in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool has recently been subject to public attention due to the presence of algae and peeling paint following a costly renovation.

Trump stated on social media that the alleged vandalism constituted "very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments." He warned that perpetrators could face "years in jail." The president's comments come as the National Park Service (NPS) works to address the algae bloom that has turned the pool green and visible peeling of its lining.

Recent social media posts by visitors have shown images and videos of the pool's condition. An NPS worker was observed using a vacuum to remove algae from the pool's bottom on June 20, 2026. The NPS has been actively working to control and remove the algae since the completion of a significant renovation project.

While Trump did not provide specific details about the alleged vandalism that led to the arrests, he claimed in subsequent posts that the pool's lining had been sabotaged with chemicals. He indicated that the pool might need to be partially drained to complete necessary repairs to the lining.

The recent repair and repainting of the Reflecting Pool, completed by the Trump administration, cost over $14.65 million, exceeding initial estimates by approximately $4 million. Trump pledged that work to repair the peeling lining would begin immediately.

In his social media posts, Trump alleged that "corrosive and destructive chemicals" were poured into the pool by vandals, causing the lining to peel. He also mentioned an incident where he claimed a "knife or blade" was used to create a "250 foot long gash" into a "beautiful facade," though it was not specified if this referred to the pool lining or another monument.

Trump described the actions of the alleged vandals as "a true affront to both Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln" and stated they should be "dealt with accordingly." The U.S. Park Police did not immediately respond to ABC News requests for comment regarding the arrests mentioned by the president.

The algae formation and peeling paint have drawn significant public attention, with visitors flocking to the site over the weekend. The NPS continues its efforts to manage the algae and assess the full extent of the damage and necessary repairs.