Minnesota governor criticizes Reflecting Pool repairs; critics cite state fraud case

A Minnesota governor posted on social media Friday criticizing federal efforts to address peeling paint and algae at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The post referenced a $14.8 million restoration project completed weeks earlier. The governor wrote that officials had created an unnecessary problem, ignored experts, hired unqualified contractors, and overstated results.

The post received more than 3.5 million views.

Online responses Critics responded by pointing to a fraud investigation involving state-funded programs in Minnesota. Several accounts on the platform questioned the governor's standing to comment on contractor performance. One account representing state employees who reported the fraud posted that the governor should refrain from the topic.

Other users listed economic conditions during the prior administration as context for their objections.

Federal statements President Donald Trump posted that vandalism caused damage to the pool and surrounding grounds. He said law enforcement had made arrests and that penalties for such acts would be enforced. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia stated that all vandalism cases, including minor damage, would be prosecuted.

National Park Service crews were shown using equipment to remove algae from the pool on June 18.