President Donald Trump continued to assert on Monday that the recent issues plaguing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were caused by deliberate vandalism, specifically alleging a "350-foot slit" had been cut through the pool's lining. "I saw it. They cut it. They cut it very violently," Trump told reporters. He also claimed the pool's floor was cut and lifted.

The Reflecting Pool has experienced problems with algae and peeling paint since the completion of its renovation, a project that cost over $16 million and exceeded its initial estimate by $4 million. An Interior Department spokesperson previously stated that the algae was a result of reactivated supply lines and residual matter.

Trump directed inquiries about ongoing investigations into the alleged damages to the Interior Department and the National Park Service. He provided no direct evidence to support his claims of vandalism himself. The Interior Department confirmed that five individuals have been arrested and five others have received federal citations in connection with vandalism. The department also stated that 14 police reports have been filed for vandalism, including incidents described in the president's social media posts.

These allegations of vandalism come after Trump had previously claimed on Saturday that vandals had created a "250-foot-long gash" in the pool lining. Neither the Interior Department nor the White House has publicly presented evidence to substantiate the claim that the pool lining was cut.

When pressed for proof of the alleged slit, Trump referred reporters to the Parks Department or the Secretary of the Interior, reiterating that he had seen the damage. He suggested that images of the alleged cut would be presented in court at an unspecified "right time."

The Interior Department's statement indicated that the U.S. Park Police remain committed to their role in maintaining law and order in Washington D.C. Public records related to such incidents are managed by the U.S. Park Police, and the D.C. court system's records are typically searchable only by specific names or case numbers. Traditional Freedom of Information Act requests for such information are generally a lengthy process.

The renovation directive for the pool to be painted blue ahead of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence was issued by President Trump. The issues with the pool's lining and paint have drawn public attention as cleanup efforts continue.

Officials have stated that the investigations are ongoing, and the administration is awaiting further findings from the relevant departments and law enforcement agencies.