Donald Trump Threatens 10‑Year Prison for Vandalism of Washington Reflecting Pool

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social account to warn that anyone who damages the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool or the surrounding lawn could face a federal prison term of up to ten years. He linked the carving of the number sequence “8647” on the grass and alleged chemical contamination of the pool’s water to intentional vandalism and said the penalties would be fully enforced.

The Reflecting Pool, which underwent a $14 million renovation for the nation’s 250th anniversary, has already experienced problems such as an algae bloom and peeling paint on its newly installed lining. Federal investigators are conducting parallel probes into the grass carving and the water damage, and several arrests have been made, including the detention of 67‑year‑old David Hearn, who said he touched the pool out of curiosity. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated that prosecutors would pursue the maximum penalties for those found guilty of destroying or attempting to destroy the monument.