President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro regarding the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which he described as vandalism. Trump made his comments on Truth Social, stating, "I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro" after Pirro's office requested the dismissal of a felony charge against former U.S. Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the pool. Hearn allegedly pulled up a section of its protective lining on June 19, despite being instructed to stop by a National Park Service employee.
Pirro's office dropped the charges against Hearn after discovering flaws in the renovation project, which included peeling lining shortly after installation. The motion to dismiss stated that it was difficult to attribute the damage to vandalism. Trump acknowledged potential contractor issues but maintained that the primary damage was caused by vandals.
The case against Hearn was dismissed without prejudice, allowing for the possibility of future charges. Court documents revealed that Atlantic Industrial Coatings received a no-bid contract exceeding $14 million for the project, which faced delays due to weather and complications. Following the dismissal request, Hearn's legal team criticized the government's prosecution efforts as rushed and unwarranted.