President Donald Trump unleashed a lengthy social media rant on Sunday, touching on topics from his $600 million ballroom project to the World Cup, but critics seized on three words: “criminally made algae.” Trump used the phrase to describe the algae bloom plaguing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which suffered peeling paint and algae growth shortly after the completion of its $14 million renovation.
Trump Blames Vandals Without Evidence
In a 589-word post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that “Criminal, Radical Left Vandals” caused damage to the pool. “The Reflecting Pool is now in full use after suffering great damage from Criminal, Radical Left Vandals, people that truly hate our Country,” he wrote. However, experts have noted that the new “American flag blue” bottom Trump installed may have inadvertently promoted algae growth. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals without providing evidence.
Arrests and Expert Opinions
While several individuals have been arrested in connection with the Reflecting Pool, there is no proof that vandalism led to its problems. One of those arrested, three-time Olympic canoeist David Hearn, told ABC that he merely touched the water and a loose piece of the blue bottom. “I did not remove, I did not damage, I did not rip, tear, break, destroy or harm any part of the Reflecting Pool,” Hearn said. Trump himself boasted last month that the new bottom was like “powerful rubber” and couldn’t be cut with a knife.
Trump’s Claims of Vandalism
In his Sunday rant, Trump alleged that vandals had “butchered a 350 foot long strip” and “put their hands underneath the surface, and ripped it.” He announced that the pool would be drained again after July 4 “to treat the damage caused by these ‘animals.’” He added, “In the meantime, it is working well, the criminally made algae is gone, and the grass, which was destroyed, is being replaced shortly.”
Reactions from Critics
Trump’s comments drew widespread mockery and concern. Jennifer Erin Valent tweeted, “Our president is insane.” Neil Turkewitz called “criminally made algae” an “instant classic,” while Howard Monroe described Trump as “fully and completely deranged.” Laurence Boorstein, citing the Potomac River’s natural algae and phosphates, said Trump’s reference to “criminally made algae” demonstrates “severe mental illness.” Others joked about the phrase, with one user suggesting it as a band name and another quipping that Trump is “so close to declaring algae is two weeks away from having nuclear weapons.”
Broader Concerns
Some critics highlighted Trump’s focus on the pool while ignoring pressing issues like gas prices, food, healthcare, and housing. Others pointed to the contractor’s lack of previous government contracts and called for a refund. The incident has become a symbol of Trump’s controversial renovation and his tendency to deflect blame.
