"Trump acknowledges real problems' at reflecting pool after $14m makeover, blaming vandalism'

Donald Trump has blamed "vandalism" for "real problems" at Washington's reflecting pool after an algae bloom in the wake of a $14.2m renovation of the site he declared would turn it "American flag" blue. Paint has also been seen peeling off in the water.

He also made claims that vandals had been arrested.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday afternoon, Trump claimed, again with no evidence whatsoever, that "multiple individuals" had been arrested by US park police for "vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Poll".

"Who would do such a thing?" Trump wrote. "These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair."

Trump also claimed in his post that the algae problem was largely under control, suggesting it was "75% gone" and the issue would soon be "completely remedied".

Law enforcement is "actively investigating this situation", he claimed, and "will hopefully have it resolved soon".

The Department of the Interior did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Trump's statement."

"A three-time US Olympian and canoeist was arrested on Friday after noticing a partly detached piece of the blue liner and reaching into the water to see what it felt like, he said.

"I didn't vandalize anything," David Hearn, who had been cycling, told the Washington Post. "I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs."