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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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Fencing has been erected around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., in what officials describe as a preventive security measure brought forward ahead of the July 4 holiday.
The move comes after President Donald Trump blamed vandalism for problems at the pool that has been hit by returning algae and blue lining peeling away in the days after a $14-million refurbishment was carried out. His administration says six people have been arrested over incidents at the site, and 17 police reports have been made.
The latest step comes amid a broader ramp-up in security, including increased patrols, the presence of National Guard personnel and more active enforcement of restrictions around the landmark as concerns about its condition and upkeep have intensified.
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"The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July. As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool so fencing is put up to ensure public safety. With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site," the Department of the Interior told Newsweek.
Newsweek reached out to the National Park Service for comment.
Security Ramp-Up Follows Enforcement Push
The fencing marks the latest escalation in a visible security presence around the Reflecting Pool, where National Guard troops and law enforcement officers have recently been seen preventing visitors from touching the water.
Federal rules prohibit wading or swimming in the pool, and authorities have warned that even limited contact can damage it.
Several individuals have been arrested or cited in recent weeks, including former Olympian David Hearn, who was charged with misdemeanor vandalism. His attorney, Norm Eisen, has disputed the allegation, saying Hearn was detained after merely touching the water, adding: "It’s not a federal crime to touch water."
Reports have also suggested additional surveillance measures are being introduced around the site, reinforcing a broader effort to deter rule-breaking ahead of peak holiday crowds.
Renovation Plans and How Issues Emerged
The developments come weeks after the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation project ordered as part of wider plans to upgrade landmarks ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
Trump had framed the overhaul as a fast and cost-effective restoration of a high-profile national site. However, issues including peeling coating and algae growth emerged shortly after the pool was refilled, drawing scrutiny and prompting questions about the durability of the work and the causes of the deterioration.
Footage Shared As Officials Highlight Suspects
The issue has also been amplified in media coverage, including footage aired on Fox News host Jesse Watters’ program and shared online. The segment was described by the Interior Department as showing individuals linked to incidents at the Reflecting Pool, and was framed as evidence of rule violations at the site.
Authorities have not publicly identified those shown in the clips, outlined when the footage was recorded, or provided detail on what specific actions are depicted.
Claims of Vandalism Under Scrutiny
The administration has linked the heightened security posture to alleged acts of vandalism. President Donald Trump has claimed the recently renovated pool was cut with "a very sharp knife or razors," and that individuals introduced substances that contributed to algae growth.
Scott Jennings, former adviser to President George W. Bush told CNN: "You have people that hate Donald Trump so much that they would go out and destroy our national monuments. Vandalize the Lincoln Memorial, vandalize the grass. That's how broken brained they are."
Jennings praised Trump for his efforts in cleaning up the nation's capital, adding: "I hope they get put in jail."
Despite this, no clear evidence has yet been released to prove accusations of vandalism. The Interior Department has maintained that enforcement and protective steps are necessary to prevent further disruption while repairs and monitoring continue.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Tobias Meyjes and Tony Phillips
Update 06/24/26 08:44 ET: This story was updated with comment from the Department of the Interior.
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