Washington DC - President Donald Trump has admitted there were other factors beyond alleged vandalism that contributed to recurring problems in his Reflecting Pool renovation.
In a Truth Social post shared on Sunday, Trump reiterated his frequent claim that former Olympian David Hearn maliciously vandalized his pool.
But in a stunning moment, Trump went on to admit that Virginia-based firm Atlantic Industrial Coatings – which he tapped for the project after they previously worked on one of his golf courses – may also be at fault for damage to the project.
"As with many jobs, there was also some contractor error done by rushing the job for a July 4th opening, but it was a very small area of this massive Pool, and was relatively inconsequential," Trump insisted.
He also admitted that "unfortunately, there is no video or proof, other than the damage, itself."
The president first announced the project in November, arguing the pool was "filthy" and needed to be made "beautiful again."
Since renovations began, the project has been plagued by several issues, including excessive algae buildup and peeling paint. As a result, the project's cost has far exceeded its original estimate.
Trump continues to insist vandals are behind the issues – despite the fact that US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro dismissed the charges against Hearn after her office concluded the damage he was blamed for stemmed from a "botched" repair job.
In his post, Trump promised the Reflecting Pool, which is closed off by steel gating, will "reopen shortly" and will now include security cameras.