Faulty application, not vandals, may be responsible for Reflecting Pool peeling, analysis finds

President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for the Reflecting Pool lining peeling off days after the Lincoln Memorial's renovation, but that claim may not hold up under scrutiny. A Washington Post analysis found that the lining peeled away in at least seven places along seams created when the material was applied in large rectangular sections—indicating problems in the installation process.

The newspaper compared the seven locations using satellite imagery and photos and videos taken during the renovation, and found that the failures occurred along the seams—lines between two areas painted at different times. Its reporters identified the locations by examining where the lining, a waterproof coating painted onto the concrete basin, had peeled away, whether partially or entirely.

The peeling occurred in irregularly shaped patches ranging in size from a few inches to as long as six feet, the Post found. The outlet had its findings reviewed by experts, who pointed to errors in the application process. It's another blow to Trump's claims that vandals were behind the damage. "The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs," he wrote in a Truth Social post days before the news outlet published its findings.

The findings may have done little to shift Trump's position. Hours after the report went live, he maintained his stance in a Friday Truth Social post: "The Reflecting Pool, so badly damaged by Deranged Vandals, has been emptied as the massive slash gets repaired. We got it through the great July Fourth Weekend. What kind of animals would do such a thing? We are looking for a Vandal Proof material, but such a thing should not have been necessary. The Scum in Court will hopefully be prosecuted to the MAX."

The analysis comes days after the pool was drained again for repairs—Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the draining was needed to clear debris from the July 4 fireworks show and to repair the alleged vandalism. It marked at least the third time the pool has been drained since Trump's renovation began in April at a cost of nearly $16 million, as algae blooms, discolored water, and peeling coating plagued the controversial project.

Many have questioned the timing and substance of the vandalism claims, suggesting the damage reflects poor-quality contractor work rather than tampering. Others have pointed to track marks in the drained pool, speculating they could be linked to Trump's motorcade driving through the site during a May inspection—though the White House has denied the motorcade caused any damage. The FBI has since joined the investigation, with an evidence response team assisting U.S. Park Police in examining damage to the pool.