President Donald Trump met with U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Monday but did not remove her from office despite publicly criticizing her decision to drop charges in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool case. Pirro filed a motion on Friday to dismiss felony charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the pool’s newly installed liner. Federal prosecutors later dropped charges against three additional defendants—Justin Carreno, Cameron Thiers, and Sophie Dennison-Gibby—after Trump publicly condemned Pirro’s handling of the case.
Key Developments
- Pirro’s office cited flawed contractor installation as the cause of damage to the Reflecting Pool’s liner, contradicting Trump’s public claims of vandalism.
- Trump called Pirro’s decision a mistake, stating she had "choked" and "folded like an umbrella," but did not fire her during their White House meeting.
- The Department of Justice dismissed all remaining charges against Hearn and the three others, citing the same contractor-related rationale.
Reactions and Context
Pirro, a former Fox News host and longtime Trump ally, arrived at the White House carrying a white box and briefcase, fueling speculation about her future. A Republican familiar with the administration noted that Trump has historically spared allies who demonstrate loyalty, suggesting Pirro could retain her position if she aligns more closely with the president’s stance. However, Trump’s frustration was evident, with one source describing his reaction as "blindsided" by the decision.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly disputed Pirro’s findings, asserting on social media that "vandals" were responsible for the damage. His claim was later corrected by platform moderators, who added a footnote clarifying that prosecutors had determined the damage stemmed from contractor errors. The White House and Pirro’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background on the Case
The Reflecting Pool underwent a $14 million renovation completed earlier this year, which was plagued by issues including green algae blooms and peeling paint. Hearn, a 67-year-old former slalom canoeist, was arrested in June after allegedly touching the pool’s liner during a bike ride. Prosecutors initially charged him with felony destruction of property, but Pirro’s office reversed course after reviewing contractor reports.
Trump, who has touted the renovation as a personal achievement, has repeatedly defended the project’s integrity. He claimed credit for selecting the pool liner material, stating it was originally intended for swimming pools. Critics, however, have questioned the rushed timeline and quality of the work, with algae growth and liner failures emerging shortly after completion.
Ongoing Tensions
The episode underscores broader strains within Trump’s administration, including his dissatisfaction with perceived disloyalty among appointees. While Pirro avoided immediate dismissal, her future remains uncertain as Trump weighs political and legal considerations. The case also highlights the intersection of Trump’s personal projects with federal law enforcement, raising questions about the independence of prosecutorial decisions.