• The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be drained again after issues emerged just weeks after a $14.7 million renovation.
• President Trump has attributed the damage to vandalism, warning of prison time for offenders.
• Authorities are investigating multiple individuals linked to the damage, with arrests already made.
• Concerns have been raised over the handling of funds and contracts for the renovation project's execution.
• Efforts are being made to combat algae growth in the pool, which has been a persistent problem.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington’s National Mall is set to be drained again for repairs, just weeks after a $14.7 million renovation, due to visible damage including algae growth and peeling paint. President Donald Trump has attributed the pool's poor condition to alleged vandalism, stating that the DC Water authority issued a permit to drain the 609-meter pool, while the renovation company will fulfill warranty obligations for repairs, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Trump claimed on social media that the pool suffered a "300-foot long gash" and alleged that illegal chemicals had been introduced into its waters, exacerbating the algae situation. His administration is currently exploring legal actions against ABC News for perceived inaccuracies in reporting on the pool's condition, reports BBC and Reuters.

Authorities have arrested at least five individuals connected to the vandalism claims, including a former Olympian who denied the allegations. Trump emphasized that anyone damaging federal property could face severe penalties, stating, "there is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things," according to South China Morning Post and BBC.

Concerns from critics have emerged regarding the no-bid contract for the pool's renovation, especially as issues such as leakage and algae persist, despite the reported upgrades. In an effort to manage the algae problem, National Park Service workers have been applying hydrogen peroxide to the pool, as it struggles with long-standing maintenance issues, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.