Trump accuses vandals of damaging Reflecting Pool after prosecutor drops charges
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President Donald Trump claimed vandals harmed the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovations, contradicting federal prosecutors who said the damage resulted from a faulty installation and that evidence against a former Olympian was insufficient.
President Donald Trump used his Truth Social account over the weekend to allege that vandals damaged the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing a court document that purportedly contained testimony from a National Park Service employee. He said a "highly credible witness" saw former Olympian David Hearn violently rip the pool's new coating, and he posted images of peeling paint and graffiti labeled "Vandalism."
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office had earlier moved to dismiss criminal charges against Hearn after court filings showed the Department of the Interior had not provided key documents and acknowledged that the blue sealant began peeling shortly after installation due to a rushed process. Prosecutors concluded that the damage was caused by the contractors rather than criminal activity.
Trump criticized Pirro publicly, describing her decision as "hastily made" and expressing disappointment with her handling of the case. He also suggested that the judge overseeing the matter pressured the prosecutor, and he responded to reporters' questions about possible dismissal with remarks that labeled them "fake news."
Hearn has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. His attorneys said the administration's case should never have been filed and that an apology is owed. The Reflecting Pool renovation, a $14.7 million project awarded without competitive bidding, was completed quickly for a Fourth of July deadline, but early rain, wind and missed testing deadlines led to the sealant's premature failure.