'He's the biggest vandal in Washington': Robert Garcia hits Trump with a reality check

Congressional Democrats on Tuesday held a shadow hearing to discuss President Donald Trump's construction projects around Washington. In the unofficial hearing where Republicans were absent, the lawmakers slammed the President for overlooking norms and environmental barriers to impose his legacy on America's history. At the hearing, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool came up frequently after Trump ordered fresh renovations to allegedly repair damages caused by vandals. Rep. Robert Garcia crushed the unfounded allegations, claiming, "The biggest vandal in Washington, D.C., is the president of the United States." 

The Trump administration came under fire for handing out no-bid contracts in order to expedite construction for certain projects, including the White House ballroom and the recent renovation of the Reflecting Pool. After spending an estimated $16 million on the renovations, the pool was plagued with algae blooms within days after reopening, with reports suggesting the "American Flag Blue" coating peeling off from the bottom. Both Trump and the National Park Service reported last month that the damage was caused by a sharp knife, but it wasn't clear what kind of evidence the department had. Several people were arrested for alleged vandalism, including U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who pleaded not guilty.

Thus, Garcia slammed the president and his attempts to dodge the responsibility of the pool's failure. "Trump also likes to talk about vandals in D.C. and crime in D.C., and all the vandalism that he sees wherever he goes. Well, the biggest vandal in Washington, D.C., is the president of the United States," he said. The lawmakers also alleged corruption on the administration's part, pointing out that the bids for the renovation project were given to those close to the President. "He's corrupt. He's incompetent. He's ripping off the taxpayer. He's obsessed with himself and only himself. And he's willing to destroy important American institutions for his own grievances and his own vanity and narcissism," Garcia added. 

The hearing, led by Garcia and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, included statements from witnesses and members of Congress. Since Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, the hearing wasn't part of the official congressional business, with them being absent. 

Meanwhile, there has been growing criticism over the handling of the renovation and beautification projects after the administration announced an independent federal panel to expedite the review and approval process for construction plans. The panel, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), largely made up of Trump appointees, is considering changes to historic preservation rules that could make it easier for the President to remake Washington.

As the administration is facing legal challenges from preservationists in projects like the Triumphal Arch and the White House East Wing demolition, the panel is considering changes to a review process called Section 106, which says federal agencies are required to consider how projects impact historic properties and to get public feedback before proceeding. As per The Atlantic, the changes would allow agencies to proceed without seeking as much feedback and would limit what is considered a protected historic property.