A dispute has emerged over the cause of damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger challenged claims that the deterioration was the result of political sabotage.

According to Kinzinger, the damage was likely caused by maintenance efforts carried out by personnel associated with the Trump administration rather than by outside actors.

In a series of social media posts and a video, he argued that concentrated hydrogen peroxide was added to the pool to eliminate algae growth that appeared shortly after a costly renovation project.

Kinzinger contends that the chemical treatment stripped or weakened the paint coating inside the basin, leading to the peeling and visible damage now attracting public attention.

He cited information indicating that industrial-strength hydrogen peroxide can act as a powerful oxidizing agent capable of degrading paint binders and causing surfaces to blister or peel.His explanation directly contradicts statements that described the damage as intentional vandalism involving a blade or similar tool.

Kinzinger also responded to commentators who suggested severe penalties for anyone responsible, arguing that such claims overlook the possibility that the damage resulted from maintenance mistakes rather than criminal activity.

More broadly, he criticized supporters who, in his view, are unwilling to consider that errors may have been made during the renovation and cleanup process.

The article presents Kinzinger's allegations and interpretation of events, portraying the controversy as a debate over whether the Reflecting Pool damage was caused by operational decisions or by deliberate sabotage.