Donald J.Trump warns of 10-year prison sentence after Reflecting Pool vandalism
described a 300-foot gash, chemical contamination, and “86 47” carved into the grass near the National Mall, pointing to former FBI Director James Comey as possible inspiration.
described a 300-foot gash, chemical contamination, and “86 47” carved into the grass near the National Mall, pointing to former FBI Director James Comey as possible inspiration.
WHITE HOUSE — Donald J.Trump vowed to enforce a 10-year prison sentence against vandals who damaged the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, by mentioning the source (see truthsocial), in a Truth Social post on June 22, 2026 at 1:14 PM EST.
Here is the full post (see truthsocial): “Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP! It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop,James Comey!). Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT”
Trump detailed three acts of vandalism at the iconic site between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. A 300-foot-long gash was cut into the pool, chemicals were placed in the water, and the numbers “86 47” were burned into the surrounding grass field with chemicals.
The phrase “86 47” has circulated as shorthand among critics of Trump, combining slang for getting rid of someone with his status as the 47th president. Trump attributed the vandalism to inspiration from James Comey, the former FBI director he fired in 2017, whom he labeled a “Dirty Cop.”
Trump emphasized that federal law provides a prison sentence of up to 10 years for the destruction or attempted destruction of government monuments and property. He said the penalty “will be fully enforced” against those responsible.
The post also referenced a broader renovation campaign across statues and fountains in the capital. Trump noted that among the many structures his administration rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and repaired, the Reflecting Pool stood as the sole target of vandalism.
In the last 30 days, 8 of 622 Trump posts addressed the topic of domestic security and crime, with all 8 focused on crime in cities including Washington, D.C. The pattern suggests a sustained emphasis on law enforcement and public safety in the capital.
Source: Zenger analysis
Note: Table generated by NewsFindr on June 22, 2026 at 1:20 PM EST
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Note: Chart generated by NewsFindr on June 22, 2026 at 1:20 PM EST

