President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to accuse vandals of damaging the grass on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial — the same area he placed a large stage to speak to crowds on the Fourth of July.
Read more Cassidy on Trump’s vaccine overhaul: ‘Crazy, stupid thing’
“Look what VANDALS did to the grass connecting the vandalized World War II Monument and the vandalized Reflecting Pool, which will be opened again, and better than ever, shortly,” Trump wrote, along with a photo showing a swath of the National Mall lawn with patches of bare, brown dirt. He did not provide evidence for the vandalism claims.
On the Fourth of July, near the Washington Monument, Trump gave a speech on a large stage for the “Salute to America” celebration. Photos from the Associated Press showed damaged grass unveiled as workers dismantled the event’s structures the week after July 4.
Earlier in June, what appeared to be large-scale etchings of the numerals “86 47” appeared on the National Mall grounds, which the White House said amounted to an endorsement of political violence. The photo Trump posted Sunday showed broader damage.
Read more Want to know what people really think? Get the Pollwatcher newsletter.
Similarly damaged grass was seen at the White House Ellipse and South Lawn after the UFC Freedom 250 events this summer. A private lawn-products company run by a Trump supporter said it would commit $1 million to restoring the South Lawn.
Catch up quickly every weekday morning with a rundown of the 7 most important and interesting stories. Sign up for The 7 newsletter.
Read more Hakeem Jeffries says he wants to see ‘dramatic reform’ of Supreme Court
