President Donald Trump on Friday publicly urged U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to revisit her decision to drop felony vandalism charges against former Olympian David Hearn in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool case.
Trump alleges new evidence of vandalism in a Truth Social post, sharing photos from freelance photographer Andrew Leyden that appear to show cuts in the pool’s liner. He claimed witnesses were present during the alleged vandalism and referenced video surveillance showing individuals making cuts into the monument for approximately 300 feet. The president also criticized Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, and Hearn’s political donations to ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped the case against Hearn on July 31, citing Department of Interior documents that indicated the damage may have resulted from a flawed $14.7 million installation by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings. A judge dismissed the case shortly thereafter. Pirro’s office has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks.
Contractor’s role in damage questioned
Court documents and Interior Department materials provided to the court suggest the damage to the Reflecting Pool’s liner may stem from installation errors rather than deliberate vandalism. The $14.7 million renovation, completed in early June, involved replacing the pool’s lining with a blue-coated material. Shortly after completion, sections of the liner began peeling, and water in the pool turned green due to a recurring algae issue.
Timeline of key events
- June 19: U.S. Park Police allege Hearn grabbed and tugged at a loose section of the pool’s coating, continuing after being instructed to stop by a National Park Service employee.
- July 2: Hearn was indicted on one count of felony destruction of property.
- July 31: The DOJ dropped the case against Hearn.
- August 1: A judge dismissed the case.
- August 2: Trump posted on Truth Social urging Pirro to reconsider the decision, citing new photos and witness accounts.
Political reactions and legal context
Trump has framed the incident as clear vandalism, while Pirro’s office cited contractor-related evidence in dropping the charges. The president’s post also highlighted Hearn’s political affiliations and his legal representation, suggesting potential biases in the case’s handling. Pirro has not publicly addressed these claims.
The Reflecting Pool, a central feature of the Lincoln Memorial, has been a focal point of recent renovations in Washington, D.C., as part of broader efforts to restore and upgrade national landmarks ahead of the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026.