Evidence Undermines NBC News' Claims of Huge Freedom 250 Fuel Spill on National Mall
The Washington Star saw photo and footage showing a very minor leak.
NBC News said Tuesday generators used in a Freedom 250 event on the National Mall spilled more than 30 gallons of fuel, putting the lawn in peril — but The Washington Star has evidence putting that claim in doubt.
The outlet cited “three people familiar with the matter” in its report on Rededicate 250, a day of prayer and music the public-private nonprofit organized as part of America’s 250th-birthday celebrations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Samaritan’s Purse evangelist Franklin Graham, and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik were among those who spoke in front of the Washington Monument; President Trump sent a video message.
“The fuel from commercial generators at the May 17 event seeped into underground cisterns that collect rainwater to irrigate the Mall,” NBC News said. “Four of the cisterns, which hold up to 250,000 gallons, are under the National Mall. The people familiar with the matter said efforts to clean up the spill are underway.”
Freedom 250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said cleanup is already complete.
“Following the Freedom 250 team’s installation of temporary lighting on the National Mall, our equipment has been repeatedly targeted by vandals. The recent fuel leak was the direct result of that tampering. Upon discovering damage to a generator fuel line, Freedom 250 and our vendors mobilized within minutes, coordinated an immediate cleanup response, and fully remediated the site in close partnership with the National Park Service,” she told the Star in a statement.
The Star obtained a photograph showing a clear, straight cut down the fuel line; it has all the hallmarks of purposeful sabotage. Footage seen by the Star of the fuel tank post-incident shows a light shining in to reveal it is still very full. It appears only about 2 to 2.5 gallons of fuel leaked out of the 30 gallons the tank holds.
Freedom 250, the public-private partnership Mr. Trump created, said last week the president will open its 16-day Great American State Fair June 24 after artists booked to perform canceled soon after the lineup was announced Wednesday. Country star Martina McBride, Poison frontman Bret Michaels, and the Commodores, among others, reneged after immediate liberal backlash to the celebration.
“We take our responsibility as stewards of the National Mall seriously and are working closely with the appropriate law enforcement authorities regarding these acts of vandalism. We will not be deterred from delivering incredible events for all Americans as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday,” Ms. Reisner declared.