Trump Disagrees with U.S. Attorney on Reflecting Pool Case

President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, regarding her conclusions about the damage to the Reflecting Pool. This marks an unusual public disagreement between Trump and one of his appointees.

Trump criticized Pirro’s decision, shared on Truth Social, that blamed a flawed installation rather than vandalism for the damage. Jeanine Pirro had moved to dismiss felony charges against Olympian David Hearn based on her findings.

“I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, on the Reflecting Pool,” Trump expressed in his post. “I don’t know what she was thinking?” He added, “To me, it was a pure case of VANDALISM, that included the grass, which had a big 86 47 emblazoned in giant letters on it, and other elements of the surrounding area.”

Trump’s statement contrasts with Pirro’s office decision earlier in the week to dismiss charges against David Hearn. Prosecutors determined that new evidence indicated contractors, not Hearn, were mainly responsible for the Reflecting Pool damage. Court documents acknowledged Hearn’s presence at a demonstration near the pool but did not provide conclusive evidence that he contributed to the property damage in question.

The case originated from a May protest involving demonstrators at the Reflecting Pool. Political messages, such as “86 47,” appeared on the surrounding lawn, sparking debate. Some Trump supporters argue this was a threat against the president, while others claim it was a form of protected political speech.

Federal authorities have arrested or issued citations to at least 10 individuals over alleged vandalism incidents at the Reflecting Pool. According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, seven individuals were arrested in June, including Hearn.

On July 2, Pirro emphasized that these acts of destruction undermine real progress and violate legal boundaries. “Vandalism at treasured places like the Reflecting Pool is an affront to our shared history and the dignity of our national heritage,” she stated. “These monuments belong to all of us, and we will protect them—and hold accountable those who seek to deface or diminish them,” she added.

On July 8, three additional individuals—Cameron Thiers, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Justin Carreno—faced misdemeanor charges for allegedly removing blue paint from the pool.

This story is developing, with updates expected to follow.