The Reflecting Pool in Washington DC is once again at the center of controversy. The famous landmark is scheduled to be drained after President Donald Trump pointed the blame at vandals for the bright green algae and peeling paint that surfaced only weeks after a costly renovation. For a structure that recently underwent millions of dollars in upgrades, the rapid return of old problems has raised plenty of eyebrows.

Trump has insisted the damage is the result of deliberate sabotage rather than the renovation itself, sparking a fresh round of debate, arrests, and even threats of lawsuits.

A Renovation That Didn’t Last

Earlier this year, the Reflecting Pool was completely drained in April for a major overhaul inspired by Trump himself. The work, which the president valued at roughly $16 million (£12 million), was meant to address years of recurring issues. The pool was refilled at the start of this month, but the fresh start didn’t last long.

Within weeks, familiar troubles reappeared. Algae bloomed across the surface, turning the water a vivid green, while the deep blue paint Trump had added to the bottom began peeling away and floating to the top. Visitors have reportedly been scooping the loose flakes out of the water by hand.

To combat the algae, National Park Service staff have been pouring hydrogen peroxide into the pool in recent days, hoping to clear it up before the situation worsens.

Trump Blames “Vandals” for the Damage

Rather than attributing the problems to the renovation, Trump has placed responsibility squarely on vandals. He claimed the pool had suffered a long “gash” and accused someone of deliberately adding fertilizer to the water, which he believes triggered the algae growth.

“I can’t help it if somebody goes in with a knife and starts hacking it up,” the president told reporters.

His description of the supposed damage shifted slightly over time. Initially he referred to a 300-foot gash, but later told reporters in the Oval Office that the slit was closer to 350 feet (107 metres) long. He also repeated the suggestion that fertilizer had been intentionally introduced into the water.

Trump even got an aerial view of the situation, flying over the site in a helicopter on his return trip from Camp David. The day before, he hinted that the pool might have to be drained and refilled for the second time this month.

Arrests and Stern Warnings

Authorities have taken the allegations seriously. According to the US Park Police, five people have been arrested for vandalism tied to the Reflecting Pool, while five others received federal citations.

On Monday, the DC Water authority confirmed it had issued a permit allowing the pool to be drained, paving the way for repairs. The company behind the original renovation has said it will fix the structure under its warranty at no extra cost.

Trump didn’t hold back when it came to warnings. Echoing comments from US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro, who promised aggressive prosecution of anyone caught damaging the site, he issued a sharp message on Truth Social.

“Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things,” he wrote, adding that the penalty “will be fully enforced.”

A Landmark With a Long History of Problems

The Reflecting Pool is no stranger to maintenance headaches. Built in the 1920s, the rectangular basin stretches about 2,030 feet (619 metres) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, serving as one of the capital’s most photographed landmarks.

Over the decades, it has dealt with a long list of issues, including:

• Persistent leaks and faulty pipes
• Structural deterioration
• Recurring algae growth
• Problems caused by bird droppings

These ongoing struggles were part of the reason for the recent renovation. Yet despite the fresh upgrades, the pool has slipped back into many of the same problems it has faced for years, suggesting the challenges may run deeper than vandalism alone.

A New Battle With ABC News

The drama hasn’t stayed limited to the pool itself. Trump has also turned his attention to the media, threatening legal action against ABC News over its coverage of the story.

On Monday, he claimed his administration was preparing lawsuits against the network for what he described as inaccurate reporting. He added that any money won through such legal action would be directed to the US Treasury.

Trump accused the network of leaving out important context, alleging that previous administrations under Obama and Biden had spent more than $100 million on the Reflecting Pool without success. By comparison, he argued his own $16 million effort “came out great,” aside from the vandalism now being repaired.

He also noted that the project ended up larger than originally planned, stretching to include surrounding areas and nearby sidewalks.

What Happens Next

For now, the focus shifts to draining the pool once more and carrying out repairs under the renovation warranty. Whether the algae and peeling paint stem from sabotage, lingering structural flaws, or simply the difficulty of maintaining a century-old water feature remains a matter of dispute.

The BBC has reached out to both the DC Water authority and the National Park Service for comment.

What’s clear is that the Reflecting Pool, long admired for its calm beauty and iconic setting, has become the center of an unusually heated saga, one involving arrests, legal threats, and a president determined to defend his investment.