Donald Trump reveals arrests after alleged attack on White House Reflecting Pool in Washington
Donald Trump has revealed details of what he describes as a brazen ‘criminal act’ at the White House, claiming the damage stretched hundreds of feet.
Donald Trump says six people have been arrested after allegedly vandalising the White House Reflecting Pool, carving what he described as a 350-foot (106m) gash into one of the landmark’s most recognisable features.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, the US President labelled the damage a deliberate and “criminal” act, claiming those responsible used “a very sharp knife or razors” to create a series of slashes stretching hundreds of feet across the pool’s surface.
Mr Trump said a further seven people had been cited over the incident.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The 350 foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350 foot length,” Mr Trump wrote.
“It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition.”
The President also alleged part of the pool had been cut and lifted from the surface, leaving behind jagged and uneven edges.
“Likewise, the small area at the bottom of the Pool was cut and powerfully lifted off the surface leaving very jagged, uneven edges,” he said.
Despite detailing what he described as significant vandalism, Mr Trump accompanied the post with a series of photographs showing the Reflecting Pool looking immaculate.
The images, which he said were taken that morning, showed calm water, manicured grounds and little visible evidence of the alleged damage.
Mr Trump insisted the landmark remained in excellent condition even before permanent repairs are carried out.
“In any event, even prior to fixing those areas, the Reflecting Pool is as beautiful as it can be,” he wrote.
The President said damaged grass surrounding the site was being replaced and revealed plans to partially drain the pool around Independence Day to complete permanent repairs.
“We will drain some of the water, either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair,” Mr Trump said.
The Reflecting Pool has become an unlikely focus of Mr Trump’s recent social media activity, with the President repeatedly posting photographs of the site while highlighting restoration efforts around the White House grounds.
While Mr Trump did not identify those arrested or provide further details about the alleged vandalism, he portrayed the incident as a serious attack on a national landmark and pointed to the arrests as evidence that authorities had moved swiftly to respond.
