Trump Halts Housing Bill, Announces Reflecting Pool Vandalism Arrests, and Awaits Supreme Court Birthright Ruling

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is dominating the national news cycle as he kicks off the America 250 celebrations, announces arrests related to vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, halts the signing of a bipartisan housing bill, and awaits a pivotal Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship.

America 250 Launches Amid Reflecting Pool Repairs
The White House is launching a 16-day “Great American State Fair” on June 24 at 7:00 p.m. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, a milestone Trump has frequently mentioned over the past 17 months. The event will feature exhibitions from all 50 states and various civic activities. Originally planned to include a concert, the event was restructured after several performers dropped out. Trump will instead deliver a speech, promising what he calls one of the greatest rallies of all time. The festivities are designed to showcase Washington, D.C., and celebrate what the president describes as a national renewal under his leadership. Independence Day celebrations will also feature major fireworks and military flyovers.

Meanwhile, Trump took to Truth Social to announce that six people were arrested and seven cited in connection with vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He described a 350-foot series of slashes along the water’s surface and a section of the liner that was cut and lifted, leaving jagged edges. An administration official separately noted that five individuals were arrested and five issued federal citations, with 14 police reports filed, including one detailing a blade used to slash a 250-foot section of the pool. Large areas of grass are being replaced, and the pool will be partially drained before or after the Fourth of July to complete permanent repairs following a recent $16 million renovation. Officials are also working to adjust the water’s color to the desired blue. Due to ongoing repairs and potential fencing, the pool’s exact appearance and readiness for tourists during the holiday remain an open question. Additionally, an investigation is underway after two ducks were found dead in the pool, with authorities examining whether cleaning chemicals used in the renovation harmed the birds.

Housing Bill Standoff and Capitol Hill Meetings
In a surprise legislative move, Trump canceled the scheduled signing of a bipartisan housing bill that recently passed both chambers of Congress with the goal of lowering housing costs. Instead, the president is demanding that Congress prioritize and pass his voting legislation, the Save America Act, which he has declared an emergency.

Trump traveled to Capitol Hill for meetings with Senate Republicans, including Senator Collins, where discussions reportedly turned contentious. The conversations covered the legislative agenda and strategy regarding Iran. The White House and Senate Republicans appear out of sync, as Senate leadership has informed the president that they do not have the filibuster-proof votes necessary to pass the voting bill. During his time on Capitol Hill, Trump also requested tens of billions of dollars in additional funding for various issues, including Iran, Ebola, and other matters. Despite the standoff, the housing bill could still become law if Congress remains technically in session through the holidays via brief pro forma sessions, which would allow the bill to pass and not be vetoed.

Supreme Court Showdown on Birthright Citizenship
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling at any time regarding the administration’s ambitious push to end birthright citizenship. The administration has proposed a bold reinterpretation of longstanding statutes, arguing that being born in the United States should not automatically grant citizenship.

Trump attended the oral arguments in person to listen to his solicitor general make the case to the justices. The outcome is considered a major test for the Court, which recently ruled against the administration on the issue of tariffs. If the Supreme Court sides with the White House, it will fundamentally alter U.S. immigration policy, forcing individual states to determine their own citizenship criteria and navigate complex legal questions—such as whether someone born in the U.S. would be a citizen in New Jersey but not Vermont. If the Court rejects the administration’s argument, the longstanding status quo of automatic birthright citizenship will remain intact.