safety
Trump claims vandals will force drainage of algae-plagued Reflecting Pool
By Litzy Grijalba at WSVN 7 News
· June 22, 2026
· 7 min read
(CNN) — President Donald Trump claimed Saturday, without providing evidence, that vandals damaged the algae-plagued Reflecting Pool on the National Mall and that the water will need to be drained for repairs. Trump said police arrested “many additional people” for the vandalism, though one told CNN
Key takeaway The official said there were 14 police reports over vanadlism including for an alleged incident where a more than 250-foot section was cut with a blade.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami residents watching the Reflecting Pool debacle in Washington, DC, may be reminded of their own struggles with water management and maintenance. The algae-plagued pool's situation echoes the frequent flooding and sea-level rise concerns in Miami's own neighborhoods, such as Miami Beach and Little Havana. As the city grapples with its own environmental challenges, the Reflecting Pool's issues serve as a parallel example of the importance of effective water management and infrastructure upkeep. Miami-Dade County's experiences with hurricane damage and flooding also highlight the need for proactive maintenance and repair of public spaces, lest they become vulnerable to damage and vandalism, as allegedly happened in Washington, DC. The Reflecting Pool's renovation and subsequent problems may prompt Miamians to consider the long-term implications of neglecting their own public spaces and waterways.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (CNN) — President Donald Trump claimed Saturday, without providing evidence, that vandals damaged the algae-plagued Reflecting Pool on the National Mall and that the water will need to be drained for repairs. Trump said police arrested “many additional people” for the vandalism, though one told CNN
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Litzy Grijalba at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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