Trump Slams U.S. Attorney Pirro for Weakness in Dropping Charges Against Reflecting Pool Vandal
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President Donald Trump sharply criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for backing down and dismissing charges against a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The administration sees this as a blow to law and order, highlighting the need for accountability and respect for national monuments.
President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his criticism of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, declaring she 'choked' and 'folded like an umbrella' after she decided to dismiss charges against former Olympian David Hearn, accused of vandalizing the iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump’s remarks at an Oval Office event sent a clear message: the administration will not tolerate weakness or leniency when it comes to protecting America’s heritage.
The decision to drop the case, which also cleared three other defendants of misdemeanor vandalism, was described by the administration as a setback for the Justice Department’s efforts to uphold law and order. Hearn claims he only touched a peeled coating on the pool’s surface during a bike ride on June 19 and stopped when a park worker told him to, but the administration remains firm that such actions cannot be excused or minimized.
Republican Senator John Kennedy rightly warned against making baseless allegations before a federal judge and noted that Hearn might seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act, a move that could embolden others to disrespect public property. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, present at the White House that evening, supported Trump’s view that vandalism, not construction flaws, was to blame for the damage—rejecting attempts to deflect responsibility away from the perpetrators.
Trump has previously showcased the Reflecting Pool renovation as a testament to his administration’s commitment to restoring Washington’s landmarks, pointing to a $14.7 million no-bid contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings of Virginia. While he expressed some dissatisfaction with the contractor’s performance, Trump emphasized the urgency of having the pool ready for Independence Day celebrations. The pool remains drained for repairs, with the White House estimating it could reopen within one to two weeks, as the administration continues its fight to preserve America’s symbols.