On July 5, 2026, police reported an incident of vandalism at approximately 3:36 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool on the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum condemned the vandalism targeting the National Mall, including significant damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the acts, which Burgum described as an attack on the country to be prosecuted fully.

President Donald Trump and the Interior Department declared a victory over algae in the Lincoln Reflecting Pool as part of the America 250 initiative. Trump shared photos on Truth Social showing the pool and the reflection of the Washington Monument appearing clear and blue. He also posted a "Wanted" notice seeking public assistance in identifying suspects involved in the destruction of government property related to the Reflecting Pool.

Greg Wischer, founder of Dei Gratia Minerals and Interior’s deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management, wrote in a letter shared with Burgum and Trump that "the advanced nanobubbler technology very effectively killed the algae that has plagued every Lincoln Reflecting Pool reopening — most infamously Obama’s reopening — since 1922."

The section of the Reflecting Pool closest to the Lincoln Memorial has been vacuumed, revealing the American Flag Blue coating on the pool's bottom. The National Park Service team is continuing to vacuum dead algae, with the final maintenance step expected to be completed in a few days.

Burgum emphasized restoration efforts and increased security deployment to protect the National Mall. The vandalism investigation remains active, with authorities seeking public help to identify those responsible.

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