Trump Defends American Heritage, Highlights Park Employee’s Testimony in Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case
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President Donald Trump cites a court document revealing former Olympian David Hearn’s violent actions at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, while prosecutors inexplicably seek to drop the charges.
President Donald Trump took to his social platform to share a crucial screenshot from court filings, underscoring testimony from a National Park Service employee who witnessed former Olympian David Hearn kneeling in the Reflecting Pool and 'violently' tearing at its protective coating. The employee, identified as W-1, described how Hearn first recorded the area with his phone, then deliberately submerged his hands and ripped at the blue coating, ignoring direct orders to stop. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, a second park employee called the police, and National Guard soldiers were dispatched to protect this national treasure.
Trump used this detailed account to argue that Hearn’s actions were intentional and damaging, noting that the witness provided this information to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in early July. He also referenced other disturbing incidents, such as the use of an 'acid-like material' on the grass, though he acknowledged that some issues with the pool were due to contractors rushing to finish the job.
The indictment against Hearn, filed on July 2, charged him with felony destruction of property after park police observed him continuing to damage the pool after being warned. Shockingly, prosecutors later moved to dismiss the case, citing new evidence that blamed the damage in part on poor contractor work and a rushed timeline—an excuse that fails to address Hearn’s blatant disregard for public property.
Trump has rightly criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s weak decision to drop the charge, saying she 'choked' under pressure. Hearn’s attorneys claim the indictment was unwarranted, but the facts speak for themselves. The White House, responding to this attack on American heritage, announced new security cameras and said the pool will reopen soon.