Washington DC, 24 June (H.S.):

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that six people had been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a landmark currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation project ahead of the United States' 250th Independence anniversary celebrations.

In a post on social media, Trump alleged that the damage to the newly coated Reflecting Pool was purposefully and criminally done, claiming that a 350-foot gash had been made in the pool's painted surface. He also said that seven additional individuals had been cited for allegedly damaging the site and promised that the administration would release photographs and videos to support its claims.

However, as of Tuesday, no evidence or official images had been made public to substantiate the allegations. The US Park Police and the Department of the Interior had not issued statements confirming the reported arrests or the President's claims.

The rehabilitation project, valued at more than 14 million dollars, was launched to restore the century-old Reflecting Pool before the Independence celebrations. As part of the renovation, the pool was drained and coated with a dark blue protective lining selected by Trump. Soon after the project was completed, however, the pool experienced a significant algae bloom, while sections of the new coating began peeling away.

Trump has repeatedly attributed the peeling paint to vandalism rather than construction or maintenance issues. On Tuesday, he said the damage had been deliberately inflicted under the cover of darkness and announced that part of the pool would be drained either immediately before or after the Fourth of July to carry out permanent repairs.

An Associated Press journalist independently verified that one individual had been arrested after briefly touching an already peeling section of the coating while examining it. The man reportedly released the material after being instructed to do so by a park employee. Authorities have not confirmed whether the incident was linked to the alleged vandalism cited by Trump.

Security around the Reflecting Pool has been strengthened in recent days, with National Guard personnel and US Park Police deployed around the monument as preparations continue for large public gatherings during the anniversary celebrations.

The contractor responsible for the renovation said only a limited number of areas require repair and maintained that the issues do not indicate a failure of the overall liner system. The company added that the repairs would be completed under warranty once the pool is drained.

Trump also suggested on Monday that someone may have introduced fertilizer into the water to trigger the algae bloom. However, no evidence has been presented to support that claim. Workers have instead been seen treating the water with hydrogen peroxide in an effort to eliminate the algae, while experts note that darker surfaces can absorb more heat, creating conditions that encourage algae growth.

The Reflecting Pool, located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, remains one of the most visited landmarks in the US capital and is expected to attract large crowds during next week's national celebrations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar