Trump says Reflecting Pool repairs will begin 'immediately' after vandalism arrests

President Donald Trump said Sunday that work would begin "immediately" to repair the peeling lining at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as an administration official confirmed that at least five people have been arrested on vandalism charges related to the pool. 

"Work will begin immediately on fixing the seriously vandalized Reflecting Pool," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, claiming to have just inspected it himself.

Trump said that he "could only say to myself, and those gathered around me, WOW, who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE," adding, "we will fix it."An administration official said on Sunday that as of Saturday night, five individuals had been arrested for vandalism, and five others had been issued citations.

The Reflecting Pool has been plagued with algae and peeling paint in the days since the Trump administration completed the renovation, which cost more than $16 million, and was $4 million more than the estimated cost. On Saturday, Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that the painted surface of the Reflecting Pool had been sabotaged with chemicals. 

In a follow-up social media post, Trump said the Reflecting Pool would likely need to be partially drained to repair the peeling lining, which he once again claimed, without evidence, was damaged by intentional sabotage.

"We met with contractors today, will probably be forced to release and drain much of the water in order to do the necessary repairs, but will have them done as quickly as possible," Trump said of the pool's condition. 

Atlantic Industry Coatings, which completed the $14.5 million job to install the lining, confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the Reflecting Pool would need to be drained to complete repairs and work would be covered under the project warranty. In his post, Trump referenced the giant "86 47" marked in grass on the National Mall and claimed that "corrosive and destructive chemicals" were poured into the pool by vandals, causing the lining to peel.

The president also alleged that someone "took some form of knife or blade, and put a 250 foot long gash into the beautiful facade of what took so much work, competence, and money to build and complete."

It was not clear if he was referring to the lining of the Reflecting Pool, or to damage to another monument. What these terrible Vandals have done is a true affront to both Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and should be dealt with accordingly," Trump said. 

The U.S. Park Police did not immediately respond to ABC News to questions about any of the arrests referenced by Trump in his post.

Father, son missing off Oahu coast, search underway

 The United States Coast Guard and local officials are conducting a search for a 49-year-old man and his 16-year-old son who went missing Tuesday morning after leaving for a hike on the eastern coast of Oahu, a Coast Guard press release said.

Family members said the pair left their hotel at around 7 a.m. Tuesday to hike the Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail, according to officials. Passersby found a backpack containing the man's belongings near the trail at 8:45 a.m. and notified the Honolulu Police Department, the

Police, the Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Ocean Safety Department and the Coast Guard launched a joint search operation late Tuesday morning after confirmation that the father and son were missing, ABC News Honolulu affiliate KITV reported.

The names of the father and son have not been released.

The agencies searched along the trail and surrounding areas, and deployed fire department helicopters and rescue boat, safety department jet skis and Coast Guard resources, the fire department said.

In reversal, Senate votes to block war powers resolution, delivering Trump a win

 Hours after President Donald Trump blasted Sen. Bill Cassidy for supporting a war powers resolution that narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday, Cassidy helped to deliver Trump a victory by voting with the majority of Republicans late Wednesday to block a separate resolution aimed at reining in the president's war powers in Iran from advancing.

It was a remarkable departure for Cassidy who, just hours ago, was in a shouting match with the president during a lunch between Trump and the GOP conference.

Cassidy said he later received a briefing from Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Iran.

2 powerful back-to-back earthquakes rock Venezuela, damage and injuries reported

 Two powerful earthquakes -- a 7.2 magnitude quake followed just seconds later by a 7.5 -- rocked the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, knocking down buildings in the capital and sending residents racing into the street.

In an address the nation Wednesday night, Venezeula's acting President Delcy Rodriguez said there was severe damage in the capital Caracas and other areas in the aftermath of the quakes.

She said Metro and rail services are suspended in the city and the Maiquetía International Airport, which was earlier reported to have sustained damage, is closed.

Photos and videos from Caracas showed some crumbled buildings, rescue crews searching through rubble and people being cared for on the street.

Crews responded to collapsed buildings in the areas of Alta Mira and Palos Grandes, according to authorities.

The U.S was preparing to send search-and-rescue teams, according to the State Department.

In a post on social media, Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau said the U.S. was "mobilizing assistance" for Venezuela. 

Jeremy Lewin, the State Department's under secretary for foreign asssistance, said the department has "mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people."

He added: "Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the U.S. will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster."

Another State Department official confirmed that all staff at the U.S. embassy in Caracas are accounted for. 

The first earthquake -- a magnitude 7.2 -- was what the U.S. Geological Survey calls a "foreshock," recorded near San Felipe, Venezuela. Just 39 seconds later, a more powerful 7.5 "mainshock" was recorded in Yumare, according to the USGS.Past red alerts have required a national or international response, according to the USGS.

Following the quake, a tsunami advisory was issued, with the potential for hazardous tsunami waves possible for coasts within 300 kilometers of the earthquake epicenter. However, the tsunami advisory later expired.

ABC News' Will Gretsky, Shannon Kingston and Aicha El Hammar Castano contributed to this report.

🚨🌎 STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES VENEZUELA

🚨🌎 STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES VENEZUELA

An intense earthquake, whose magnitude was estimated to be between 7.1 and 7.5 by different reports, was registered this Wednesday, June 24 and shook several areas of Venezuela, leaving damage to buildings, structural damages and moments of distress among the population.

The telluric movement was felt strongly in Caracas and other cities, where authorities activated emergency protocols while rescue and civil protection teams run tours to assess the situation.

The earthquake was also felt in Colombia. In addition, a tsunami warning was issued for some parts of the Caribbean, which was later cancelled. Videos circulate on social networks showing the strong movement of buildings and hundreds of people evacuating to safety.

Inspections continue and authorities continue to call on the public to remain vigilant for possible aftermath.

🙏 All our solidarity and support for the Venezuelan people in these difficult times.

Passengers restrain pilot during apparent medical emergency on 'terrifying' flight

 

Passengers restrain pilot during apparent medical emergency on 'terrifying' flight

Passengers aboard an Air Canada flight helped restrain a pilot who experienced a medical emergency that they say appeared to be a seizure for about 40 minutes after the aircraft suddenly swerved midflight, according to a passenger who spoke exclusively with ABC News.

Air Canada said Flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, was en route from Newark, New Jersey, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday when the captain experienced the medical emergency, the airline said.

The first officer took control of the aircraft and diverted the flight to Boston, where it landed safely. The captain was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, according to the airline.

The De Havilland Q400 was carrying 61 passengers. Air Canada said it is working to arrange alternate travel for those on board."Yeah, it was really horrifying. I was sitting in the front row, my family was from their back, just the way the seat arrangement worked out," he explained. "And I went back to sit with them and then realized that the pilot was out of control physically, not violently, like it was clear that he was not in control of his faculties and needed to be restrained."

He continued, "[We] worked to get him under control, it was a fairly strenuous 40 minutes of keeping him down and using as many seatbelts as we could to restrain his legs arms and chest."

McDonald said a registered nurse on board helped direct passengers and assist the pilot during the medical emergency, while he praised the flight attendants for remaining calm throughout the ordeal.

🚨BREAKING🚨 Sad news just confirmed the passing of….

 

On Monday, officials identified the deceased as Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, both 31-year-old officers from California. The crew members were integral parts of the Electronic Attack Squadron 130, famously known as the ‘Zappers,’ based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The tragic incident occurred during a routine training flight, prompting a complex federal investigation into why the advanced electronic warfare jet went down.

Both women were celebrated as trailblazers within the military aviation community. Lt. Cmdr. Evans, a Naval Flight Officer, recently made history as a participant in the first all-female flyover during Super Bowl LVII, an event marking 50 years of women in naval flight. Lt. Wileman, a skilled Naval Aviator commissioned in 2018, was a decorated veteran whose honors included the Navy Unit Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Their careers were defined by excellence, mentorship, and the breaking of long-standing gender barriers in high-performance combat aviation.

Recovery Efforts and Investigation

The recovery effort has proven exceptionally difficult due to the crash site’s location. The wreckage was discovered at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain that is difficult to access. Following the transition from search-and-rescue to recovery operations, Washington Governor Jay Inslee authorized National Guard support to provide security for the site. Cmdr. Timothy Warburton, the squadron’s commanding officer, emphasized that the current priority is supporting the families of the fallen while investigators work to determine the technical or environmental causes behind the loss of the $67 million aircraft.

Tributes have poured in from high-ranking officials, including U.S. Senator Patty Murray, who described the aviators as pioneering leaders who paved the way for future generations. As the EA-18G Growler community processes this profound loss, the legacy of Evans and Wileman remains anchored in their courage and historic contributions to national defense. Their sacrifice underscores the inherent risks of military training and the enduring impact of those who strive to expand the presence of women in the cockpit.

BREAKING NEWS Just hours ago, a tremendous fire broke out in June 16, 2026

 

BREAKING NEWS Just hours ago, a tremendous fire broke out in

June 16, 2026Trends7News

Just as the world was waking up to a new day, Mother Nature decided to serve a brutal reminder of her power. China-Myanmar border, sending shockwaves through sleeping towns and cities. The earth convulsed and cracked without warning, unleashing violent shaking that left buildings in ruins and people running for their lives. mettle of those affected. Panic gripped the air as people poured into the streets, barefoot and disoriented, with faces etched with fear. The once-quaint towns were now scenes of chaos, with buildings reduced to rubble and debris littering the streets.

Widespread Impact Across Region

Geological Survey, sending tremors felt across southern China, northern Thailand, and parts of Myanmar. The devastating impact was not limited to its immediate epicenter; major cities in northern Thailand such as

20 minutes ago in Washington, State Dept. Identifies Several ‘Birth Tourism’ Networks Around World

 

The State Department shut down this birth tourism network and revoked the foreign nationals’ visas, the outlet reported

In addition, the department is coordinating with local authorities to “systematically identify and cut off any similar operations. ”

“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U. S

Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U

S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” said State Department messaging seen by The Daily Wire.

“No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U. S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.

S. ,” the message said, per the outlet.

embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024

S. embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024.

Investigators allegedly linked the activity to at least six companies that were coaching visa applicants on how to answer interview questions, arranging accommodations and coordinating plans for childbirth in the United States, said The Daily Wire

According to the report, State Department officials disrupted the operation, revoked the visas involved and imposed permanent travel bans on several individuals accused of participating in the scheme, barring them from entering the United States in the future.

embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to individuals accused of traveling to the United States for the primary purpose of giving birth to children who would automatically receive American citizenship

S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to individuals accused of traveling to the United States for the primary purpose of giving birth to children who would automatically receive American citizenship.

According to the report, State Department consular officers partnered with law enforcement agencies and used data analysis tools to identify networks allegedly exploiting the visa system and facilitating the practice, said the report

“A U. S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department messaging said.

The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system,” it added, per the outlet

The Daily Wire previously investigated cases of birth tourism in Texas

There, the state sued De’Ai Postpartum Care Center in Houston for “exploiting birthright citizenship by unlawfully facilitating the invasion of Chinese nationals … for the sole purpose of giving birth. ”

The center stands accused of facilitating births of more than 1,000 babies, who become American citizens immediately

President Donald Trump quickly signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship after taking office in January 2025

However, the order has faced multiple legal challenges and has been repeatedly paused as a result. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the order in late June or early July.

We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘Birthright’ Citizenship

Courtroom observers said most justices seemed skeptical of the order and viewed the Constitution’s language on the issue, contained within the Fourteenth Amendment, as plain and clear

Trump became the first sitting U. S. president to attend a Supreme Court hearing.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson left many scratching their heads with a confusing and frankly bizarre response to the Trump administration’s arguments in defending the order

I was thinking, I, a U. S

And what it means is that if I steal someone’s wallet in Japan, the Japanese authorities can arrest me and prosecute me,” Jackson sa

Tragic Hot Air Balloon Fire Claims Lives of Entire Family

 

An entire family tragically lost their lives after a hot air balloon caught fire while flying over the area, turning what was meant to be a memorable journey into an unimaginable disaster. According to preliminary reports, the fire erupted unexpectedly while the balloon was still in the air, rapidly spreading through the aircraft and leaving those on board with little or no opportunity to escape. Within moments, the peaceful sightseeing flight became a horrifying tragedy witnessed by people on the ground. Eyewitnesses described seeing flames engulf the balloon before it began losing altitude and descending uncontrollably.

Many watched in shock and helplessness as the burning balloon fell from the sky, with some immediately calling emergency services in hopes that lives could still be saved. The heartbreaking scene left residents and bystanders deeply shaken, as they witnessed the devastating accident unfold in real time. Emergency crews, firefighters, and medical personnel rushed to the crash site as quickly as possible. However, despite their rapid response and determined efforts, the intensity of the fire and the severity of the impact made rescue impossible.

Authorities later confirmed that every member of the family on board had died in the tragic crash, leaving loved ones and the local community devastated by the overwhelming loss. Officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether mechanical failure, a fuel system malfunction, weather conditions, or any other contributing factors played a role in the accident.

Investigation Underway Into Balloon Fire Cause

Aviation investigators are carefully examining the wreckage, reviewing maintenance records, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing flight data to establish a clear timeline of the events leading up to the fatal incident. The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the safety of hot air balloon operations and the importance of strict maintenance standards, routine inspections, and emergency preparedness. While hot air balloon flights are generally considered safe when properly operated, incidents like this highlight the devastating consequences that can occur when something goes catastrophically wrong.

As news of the accident spread, an outpouring of grief and condolences flooded social media, with people from around the world expressing sympathy for the victims and their loved ones. Friends, relatives, and members of the community continue to mourn the heartbreaking loss of an entire family whose lives were cut short in such a tragic and unexpected manner. The devastating accident serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. What began as a joyful experience ended in unimaginable sorrow, leaving behind grieving families, unanswered questions, and a community united in mourning as investigators continue working to determine exactly what caused the fatal

'Permanent repair' to Reflecting Pool to come around July 4, Trump says

 President Donald Trump said Tuesday the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be drained again for "permanent repair" around the Fourth of July, and said that six people have now been arrested for alleged damage to the site.

The Reflecting Pool has been plagued with algae and peeling paint in the days since the Trump administration completed its renovation, which cost taxpayers more than $16 million.

Trump said in a social media post that "large areas of grass are being replaced" around the pool and that the administration "will drain some of the water, either immediately before or after the Fourth of July, to do the permanent repair."

Trump has blamed the Reflecting Pool's issues on vandals, though has yet to offer evidence.

"Six people have been arrested, and seven people have been cited, for the damage they did to our Country's now beautiful Reflecting Pool," Trump wrote in the post.

"The 350 foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350 foot length. It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition. Likewise, the small area at the bottom of the Pool was cut and powerfully lifted off the surface leaving very jagged, uneven edges," Trump wrote. On Monday, during an Oval Office event, Trump directed reporters to the Interior Department and the Parks Department for information on ongoing investigations into alleged damages but provided no evidence himself.