Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJohn BowdenSunday 05 July 2026 21:43 BSTJudge Jeanine yells at reporters questioning her about charging Olympian over Reflecting PoolA Cabinet secretary supported claims of "vandalism" causing issues with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's $15 million renovation, but refuted President Donald Trump’s assertion that vandals caused algae blooms.Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that algae was a "momentary thing" caused by pipes during filling while confirming "multiple gashes" totaling 350 feet in the pool's coating.The president had blamed "criminals" for both the algae and the coating damage, comparing the pool's size to the Empire State Building and posting about the issues on social media.The Reflecting Pool project, initially estimated at $2 million, has soared to nearly $15 million and remains unfinished, requiring the pool to be drained and recoated.Several individuals, including a former Olympian, have been arrested and charged with felony vandalism or destruction of property in connection with alleged damage to the pool.In fullTop Trump aide contradicts him over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool algae causeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in