Trump Admits Reflecting Pool Work Was Hurried, Sticks to Vandalism Story

President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the renovat…

President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool under his administration was carried out hastily and with subpar quality, yet he continues to point fingers at vandals for the damage at the iconic Washington site.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump conceded that the contractor responsible for the $14 million repainting project had taken shortcuts to meet a July 4th deadline. "As with many jobs, there was also some contractor error done by rushing the job," he wrote on Sunday, adding that the resulting issues were limited to "a very small area" and were "relatively inconsequential."

Despite this admission, the president reiterated his earlier claims that deliberate vandalism caused the visible deterioration of the pool's surface. He offered no new evidence to support the allegation, which has been disputed by park officials and observers who noted the damage appeared consistent with hasty workmanship.

The reflecting pool, a beloved landmark on the

The reflecting pool, a beloved landmark on the National Mall, was reopened to the public earlier this month after the extensive renovation. However, within days, photos emerged showing peeling paint and cracks, prompting criticism from preservationists and lawmakers.

Trump's remarks come as his administration faces scrutiny over the management of public works projects. While he framed the contractor's errors as minor, experts suggest that the rushed timeline may have compromised the pool's long-term integrity, raising questions about the need for further repairs.

As the controversy continues, the National Park Service has yet to announce a formal investigation into the cause of the damage. Meanwhile, the president's insistence on vandalism appears aimed at shifting blame, even as he acknowledges the project's flaws.