President Trump has claimed that vandals are responsible for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, alleging they cut a 350-foot slit, which he says is causing the paint to peel on the recently renovated site. Despite the arrest of five individuals for vandalism, neither the company responsible for the renovation nor the U.S. Park Service has confirmed this claim. When pressed for evidence, Trump stated that proof would be presented in court and suggested contacting the Parks Department for more information. He also speculated that someone might have added fertilizer to the water, causing algae growth. CBS News has reached out to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior for comments but has not received a response.
QUESTION: How might the spread of misinformation impact public trust in government and media?
Trump says proof that vandals cut Reflecting Pool will be provided in court
