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Trump Criticizes Prosecutor Over Dropped Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case

other · 2026-08-04

On Monday, US President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with US Attorney Jeanine Pirro for her decision to dismiss charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who faced allegations of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington. Trump accused Pirro of succumbing to judicial pressure, stating she "folded like an umbrella" and "choked." The charges were dropped following a court filing on Friday from Pirro's office, which claimed that the pool's damage stemmed from poor construction rather than vandalism. The $14.7 million renovation had encountered problems like algae blooms and peeling lining. Trump had earlier attributed the issues to vandals, referencing surveillance footage. This incident occurred just before the nation's 250th birthday celebration last month, underscoring the strained relationship between Trump and Pirro, a political ally.

Key facts

  • Trump criticized US Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Monday for dropping charges against former Olympian David Hearn.
  • Pirro's office filed a court filing on Friday stating the damage was due to shoddy construction, not vandalism.
  • The case involved alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington.
  • The renovation cost $14.7 million and faced issues including algae blooms and peeling lining.
  • Trump had previously blamed vandals for the problems, citing surveillance footage.
  • The incident occurred ahead of the nation's 250th birthday celebration last month.
  • Trump accused Pirro of 'choking' under pressure from a judge and 'folding like an umbrella'.
  • Pirro is a close political ally of Trump.

Entities

Artists

  • David Hearn

Institutions

  • US Attorney's Office
  • Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Locations

  • Washington
  • United States

Sources