Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames 'vandals'

The Reflecting Pool in Washington DC is set to be drained as US President Donald Trump again blamed vandals for bright green algae and peeling paint that has appeared just weeks after a multi-million dollar renovation. Trump said the pool "has been given a 300 foot long gash", and accused someone of putting fertiliser in the water. When pressed by CBS News for evidence of the slit, the president said proof would be provided in court. Five people have been arrested for vandalism in connection with the Reflecting Pool, and five others were issued federal citations, according to the US Park Police. The DC Water authority said on Monday that it issued a permit to drain the pool, according to Reuters news agency. The repair company has said it will fix the rectangular structure as part of its warranty. BBC has contacted the DC Water authority and the National Park Service for comment. The attraction was last fully drained in April this year for the Trump-inspired renovation, and refilled early this month. The Reflecting Pool, built in the 1920s and stretching 2,030ft (619m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has long been beset by leaks, structural deterioration,