South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw spoke with White House and Congressional correspondent Neil McCabe about the vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the political climate in Washington and the challenges facing President Trump's legislative agenda on Capitol Hill.
Stefan Mychajliw: Neil, I never imagined I'd have "someone vandalizes the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool" on my 2026 bingo card. What happened?
Neil McCabe: It's unbelievable. Authorities have made several arrests, and someone actually used a blade to slash the protective sealant in the Reflecting Pool. President Trump had the site restored, but people came back and damaged it again. That's the reality investigators are dealing with.
Stefan Mychajliw: You're in Washington every day. Did you ever think political hatred would reach this level?
Neil McCabe: Unfortunately, yes. We've seen repeated legal battles against President Trump, assassination attempts, and now vandalism at national monuments. We've also seen other historic sites defaced before they were cleaned up. The political divide in Washington is unlike anything I've seen.
Stefan Mychajliw: Let's talk about Congress. Is the calendar becoming President Trump's biggest obstacle?
Neil McCabe: Absolutely. Time is everything in Washington. The window to pass major legislation is incredibly short. That's why President Trump pushed for one comprehensive bill instead of splitting his agenda into multiple pieces. Once July arrives, Congress slows down dramatically with recesses and district work.
Stefan Mychajliw: What about the SAVE Act? Why has it become such a political fight?
Neil McCabe: Supporters argue it would strengthen election integrity by requiring proof of citizenship to register for federal elections. Critics oppose the legislation for a variety of reasons, and as a result it has become caught in the broader political battle on Capitol Hill. Like so many major bills, its future depends as much on congressional leadership and the legislative calendar as it does on the policy itself.
Stefan Mychajliw: So, in your view, Washington is fighting the clock as much as it's fighting over policy?
Neil McCabe: Exactly. The calendar often determines what gets done in Congress, and if lawmakers don't act before the legislative window closes, even major priorities can stall for another year.