Trump blames contractor for Reflecting Pool damage

President Donald Trump said Sunday there was “some contractor error” behind the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during renovations, even as he continued to blame a former Olympian canoeist whose vandalism charges were dropped.

Trump’s remarks came days after D.C. prosecutors dropped all charges against former Olympian canoeist Peter Carlsson, 60, who had been accused of smashing a glass panel at the Reflecting Pool in February. The case collapsed after police video showed no clear evidence linking Carlsson to the damage. Yet Trump still suggested wrongdoing, saying in a Truth Social post, “There was substantial damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or evidence of who did it.” He added, “Some say it was done by a contractor, but nothing has been proven yet!”

The Reflecting Pool, a 2,000-foot-long landmark between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has been under partial renovation since 2023 as part of a $2.7 million National Park Service project. Officials say the pool’s aging concrete and drainage system need upgrades to prevent leaks and structural issues. But the renovation has been slow and controversial, with some D.C. residents complaining about noise, traffic disruptions, and the high cost. In February, a glass panel near the pool’s edge was shattered overnight—an incident initially blamed on Carlsson after he was seen near the scene. Police later said there was insufficient evidence to charge him, and prosecutors dismissed the case.

Now, Trump’s claim that contractor error may have caused the damage raises new questions about oversight. The National Park Service has not publicly commented on the possibility of contractor-related damage. Meanwhile, Carlsson has said the charges ruined his reputation and called the incident a “tragic mistake” in how the case was handled. The Reflecting Pool remains partially closed for repairs, with no clear timeline for completion. City officials say they are reviewing the renovation process, but for now, the pool’s future—and who’s responsible for the damage—remains unresolved.