Trump Threatens ABC News Lawsuit Over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Coverage

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is preparing legal action against ABC News, accusing the network of publishing false and misleading reports regarding his administration's handling of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. In a social media post, Trump claimed ABC News failed to provide important context, specifically noting that previous administrations spent between $300 million and $400 million on the landmark, a detail he said was omitted from the network's coverage. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recently became a source of controversy after signs of algae growth and peeling paint appeared only days after a major renovation was completed. The restoration project cost more than $16 million, exceeding its original budget by approximately $4 million. Trump defended his administration's handling of the project by blaming the damage on vandalism, alleging that vandals had cut into the pool and caused significant harm, although he did not provide specific evidence to support the claim. The president also accused ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl of attempting to damage the pool. Meanwhile, administration officials stated that at least five individuals had been arrested on vandalism-related charges connected to the incident. The dispute marks another chapter in Trump's long-running conflict with major media organizations. The latest threat of legal action comes after Trump secured a significant legal victory against ABC in late 2024, when he was awarded $16 million in a defamation lawsuit involving the network.

(Source：Econotimes)