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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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President Donald Trump on Monday issued a new warning regarding recent vandalism on the National Mall, linking a mysterious "8647" marking etched into the grass to ongoing issues and reported property damage at the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The developments come amid an active federal investigation into two separate incidents on the National Mall. On June 11, authorities discovered the numbers "8647" etched into a section of browned grass on the Mall lawn. Officials are also investigating issues at the reflecting pool, which reopened in early June following a more than $14 million renovation but quickly developed severe algae blooms and peeling blue paint.
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In a post on Truth Social Monday morning, Trump warned that federal authorities would strictly enforce heavy penalties for the damage.
"Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP!" Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday morning. "It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!). Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things - Which will be fully enforced! Thank you for your attention to this matter."
While investigators have collected grass samples from the lawn to determine how the numbers were carved, no suspects have been publicly identified. Newsweek reached out to the White House by email for comment.
What Does '8647' Mean?
The phrase “8647” has become a prominent anti-Trump slogan among critics, combining the long-standing restaurant slang “86”—meaning to get rid of or eject something—with “47,” a reference to Trump’s status as the 47th president.
The sequence originated in a 2025 social media post depicting seashells arranged in those numbers, which later became central to a Justice Department case involving former FBI Director James Comey who posted the picture of the seashells to his Instagram account and later deleted it. Because of its political connotations, federal officials have at times interpreted the shorthand as a potential threat to the president, triggering heightened legal scrutiny and investigations.
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In April, a grand jury indicted Comey over the post. Comey, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2013, faces federal felony charges that could bring a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The former FBI director has denied any wrongdoing, saying he was unaware of the meaning behind the numbers and alleging the case is politically motivated. The trial is expected to begin later this year.
In Washington, D.C., the slogan has also recently surfaced as a protest symbol, including a large “8647” flag flown by an activist group near the National Mall and federal courthouse. Federal authorities sought to remove the banner, arguing it posed a potential security risk amid what officials described as a “heightened threat environment,” USA Today reported, while civil liberties lawyers said the move was retaliatory and targeted protected political speech.
A federal judge ultimately sided with the protesters, issuing a temporary restraining order blocking the government from removing the flag.
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What Changes Is Trump Making to The Reflecting Pool?
The Trump administration has undertaken a multimillion‑dollar overhaul of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, draining the century‑old landmark to repair leaks, clean the basin and apply a new industrial‑grade coating across its floor. Central to the project is a dark finish described by the president as “American flag blue,” replacing the pool’s long‑standing gray concrete base. The work also included sealing joints and refilling the pool after a compressed renovation timeline, with Trump and administration officials saying the changes would improve the pool’s appearance and performance.
The redesign is tied to preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the Trump administration portraying the project as part of a broader effort to “beautify” Washington ahead of nationwide celebrations.
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Within days of reopening, algae growth turned the water green, and sections of the new coating began to peel, prompting additional maintenance efforts and fresh repairs. While algae has long been a recurring issue at the shallow, sun‑exposed site, the rapid deterioration has raised questions about the durability of the newly applied “American flag blue” finish, even as the renovation was billed as a high‑profile upgrade. Critics have pointed to design and maintenance issues following the recent renovation as the primary cause of the pool’s problems, whereas Trump has repeatedly blamed unsubstantiated claims of vandalism, including that chemicals were introduced into the water.
Officials say multiple people have been arrested or cited in connection with incidents at the site, including a 67‑year‑old man who said he briefly touched a peeling section of the pool lining. Repairs are expected to begin immediately, according to the administration.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Anthony Murray.
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