WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said federal authorities will undertake new repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after problems emerged shortly following the completion of a major renovation project ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations. The work follows reports of algae growth, peeling surface material and other maintenance issues at one of the nation's most recognizable landmarks. Trump said vandals damaged the pool and surrounding areas, adding that several arrests had been made, although federal agencies had not publicly provided details or evidence linking the reported damage to criminal activity.

The Reflecting Pool, located on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, recently underwent a renovation costing roughly $14 million. The project included the installation of a blue-colored liner and measures intended to reduce leaks and improve water quality. Within days of reopening, however, visitors and news photographers documented green algae in the water and sections of the new surface separating from the pool floor. Federal officials responded with treatment efforts that included the use of hydrogen peroxide and specialized water-circulation technology designed to limit algae growth.