President Trump announced Saturday that multiple arrests have been made in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where his $14 million renovation project has encountered significant setbacks including algae blooms and peeling coating.

Alleged Sabotage and Arrests

Trump posted on Truth Social claiming vandals cut a 250-foot gash into the pool’s newly applied coating and poured corrosive chemicals into the water. The president offered no evidence supporting these allegations but stated those responsible could face years in prison. He met with contractors Saturday to assess whether the pool must be drained again to repair damage to its floor, which workers had recently coated with what Trump called an American flag blue sealant.

Among those arrested was David Hearn, a 67-year-old three-time Olympic canoeist who told NBC News he was detained for five hours Friday after touching a piece of the detached coating during a bike ride. Hearn said he visited the site out of curiosity about the algae and peeling he had seen in news reports. He maintained he did not remove, tear, or damage any material.

Questions About Enforcement

Hearn reported that the National Guard member who arrested him could not explain which federal law he had violated. He described being handcuffed without clear explanation of charges against him. The National Guard and U.S. Park Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the arrests or specific violations cited. Trump shared an article about Hearn’s arrest on social media earlier Saturday.

Ongoing Project Troubles

The 2,030-foot pool renovation is a pet project of the president, part of broader efforts to beautify Washington for the country’s 250th anniversary. Workers recently refilled the pool after applying the new blue coating, but that sealant has begun peeling off with chunks appearing above the water’s surface. An algae bloom has also plagued the site. On Friday, workers were observed scrubbing the pool as algae turned the water green again. The renovation’s troubles continue drawing attention from visitors to the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding monuments on the National Mall.