Massive “86 47” Anti-Trump Graffiti Discovered at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

WASHINGTON — U.S. Park Police are investigating after vandals spray-painted a large “86 47” message across the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool early Friday morning, May 1, 2026.

The graffiti, measuring roughly 15 by 30 feet, was discovered around 7:20 a.m. by the National Park Service while the historic pool is undergoing a Trump administration-backed renovation. Crews quickly covered the vandalism with tarps as cleanup efforts began. The area around the Lincoln Memorial remains under investigation.

The phrase “86 47” has become highly charged in recent weeks. “86” is restaurant slang for “get rid of” or remove, while “47” refers to President Donald Trump as the 47th president. Many interpret the combination as a coded threat against Trump, especially following the recent federal indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for a similar “86 47” message posted on Instagram last year.

The incident occurred amid the Reflecting Pool’s renovation, part of President Trump’s efforts to restore and beautify the National Mall, including plans to line the pool with a durable surface. The vandalism has drawn widespread condemnation from Trump supporters, who see it as another example of escalating political hatred and incitement following the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

No arrests have been announced. U.S. Park Police are reviewing security camera footage and canvassing the area for witnesses. The National Park Service has not released additional details about the ongoing investigation.

The graffiti comes at a time of heightened tensions over political violence and threats against the president. It echoes the “86 47” phrasing used in the Comey case, which prosecutors described as a knowing threat transmitted in interstate commerce.