U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced Sunday that her office will pursue criminal charges against anyone caught vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, following a costly renovation by the Trump administration that has run into trouble.
“Anyone who is in a position of vandalizing or attempting to vandalize the Reflecting Pool will face the criminal justice system in D.C.,” Pirro said on Fox News’s “The Sunday Briefing.” “The President has made it a priority to make D.C. not only safe, but beautiful.”
The Trump administration has poured nearly $15 million into the iconic pool, repainting its surface blue and fixing leaks. But a massive algae bloom and peeling paint have undercut the restoration. President Trump signaled Saturday that the pool may need to be drained for repairs, posting on social media, “We met with contractors today, will probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs, but will have them done as quickly as possible.”
Pirro noted that several citations have already been issued for defacing federal property, and warned of escalating charges for more serious offenses. “If there are more serious products that are put into the Reflecting Pool to create more algae or a bigger problem, then we’ll consider more serious charges,” she told host Peter Doocy. “But make no mistake, making D.C. beautiful is a priority. And if you damage, vandalize or do anything to impact something like the reflective pool, you can be prosecuted.”
The crackdown comes after numbers “86 47” were etched into grass near the pool earlier this month, just before Trump’s 80th birthday and a UFC event at the White House. Trump has claimed the phrase is a death threat, arguing “86” is slang for “kill.” He said Friday, “No different than the chemicals that were used on the National Mall, they used something similar in the Reflecting Pool to try to destroy and demean our beautiful work.”
The president has faced criticism for his sweeping efforts to overhaul the nation’s capital, including tending to historic monuments and adding his own. Trump says his administration has cleaned, renovated, and “beautified” over 45 monuments and memorials, 28 statues, and 22 fountains in Washington, D.C.
The vandalism threats and renovation woes come amid broader debates over federal spending and maintenance. For context, the federal offices shuttered for Juneteenth 2026 amid debate over holiday costs highlight ongoing tensions over government priorities. Meanwhile, the record primary loss rate for House members seeking higher office reflects an anti-Washington wave that could reshape political dynamics.
As the pool’s fate hangs in the balance, Pirro’s vow underscores the administration’s determination to protect its investment. Whether the threats of prosecution will deter vandals remains to be seen.
