Analysis Blames Flawed Work, Not Vandals, at Reflecting Pool

President Trump insists vandals damaged the Reflecting Pool in DC. A Washington Post analysis concludes that the damage is the result of shoddy renovation work. Reporters documented at least seven spots where the waterproof coating lifted along seams—areas that need special care—and four independent waterproofing experts tell the newspaper that the pattern points to application errors, not slashing. Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have blamed blade-wielding "thugs" for hundreds of feet of damage and say the liner didn't peel off on its own. But that's precisely what did happen, according to the Post analysis of photos, video, timelines, and product specs.

The four experts interviewed for the piece say they can't be positive of a precise cause from afar, but the failures, all of which occurred at seams, bear the hallmarks of improper application by the no-bid contractor behind the work, Atlantic Industrial Coatings. A number of things might have gone wrong. For example, once the work is underway, "they have a window [of time] … to get the next layer down," says pool operations expert Rudy Stankowitz. "Otherwise, it's not going to adhere properly unless additional prep is done." White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers disputed the findings of the analysis, again asserting that "deranged individuals made several gashes" in the pool. Read the full analysis.