Trump Condemns Vandalism Of World War II Memorial In Washington, Calls Perpetrators ‘Animals’ | Sahara Reporters
Trump reacted after the memorial was defaced with bright pink spray paint, with the words “Clean hands, dirty money,” written across part of the landmark.
United States President, Donald Trump, has condemned the vandalism of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., describing the incident as an insult to American soldiers who died during the Second World War and vowing that authorities will track down those responsible.
Trump reacted after the memorial was defaced with bright pink spray paint, with the words “Clean hands, dirty money,” written across part of the landmark.
In a statement, Trump said: “Our beautiful World War 11 memorial was just hit by spray painting machines.”
“There can be no greater insult to those American heroes who died in World War 11.First the reflecting pool and now this. We are on their trail. Where do these animals come from?”
The U.S. Park Police were deployed to the site following the vandalism and blocked off the affected area as investigations began.
The Department of the Interior also condemned the incident, describing the vandalism as unacceptable and promising that the person responsible would be identified.
“The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated,” a Department of the Interior spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“Our U.S. Park Police are on the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act.”
The latest incident comes amid a series of acts of vandalism and politically charged markings reported at prominent monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C.
In 2016, the World War II Memorial was vandalized by a person protesting the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. At the time, the North Dakota section of the memorial was spray-painted with the phrase “#NoDAPL.”
More recently, in June, separate red markings bearing “8647” were discovered on the Washington Monument. The number has been used as a political slogan and protest symbol against Trump.
Damage was also reported at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool around the same period.
The World War II Memorial, located on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, honours the 16 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II, including the more than 400,000 who died during the conflict.
The latest vandalism has drawn renewed attention to security around the capital’s historic landmarks and memorials, particularly as politically motivated demonstrations and acts of vandalism continue to occur.
Authorities have not publicly identified any suspect in connection with the latest incident, while the investigation by the U.S. Park Police remains ongoing.
Trump’s remarks underscored the seriousness with which his administration is treating the incident, particularly because of the memorial’s significance to the families of American service members and veterans who lost their lives during World War II.