Trump Criticizes Vandalism Case Involving Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

President Donald Trump has called on U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to re-evaluate a decision to drop charges linked to vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump highlighted what he described as “pure vandalism” at the site, sharing photos on Truth Social that allegedly depict the damage.

“People were on their knees with their hands in the water at the exact location of the ‘slashes.’ Additionally, there were witnesses to the vandalism, and the flexible areas of the material were cut with a knife.” — Trump on Truth Social

Trump disagrees with Pirro’s choice to dismiss the case against former Olympian David Hearn. The president labeled the defendant a significant figure in ActBlue, a political fundraising platform, and criticized his legal representation.

Hearn was indicted on July 2 for felony property destruction. Allegedly, he damaged the pool’s coating on June 19, causing over $1,000 in harm, despite warnings from a National Park Service employee. However, questions arose after Pirro’s office cited incomplete reports from the Department of the Interior (DOI), which later revealed installation issues with the coating.

The DOI’s new documents suggested the fault lay with Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the contractor behind the pool’s rushed installation for Independence Day 2026. This revelation prompted prosecutors to seek dismissal without prejudice, allowing potential future charges.

Hearn’s legal team argued against the government’s initial approach. In their view, the case should not have proceeded as it did.

“The Trump administration’s case against Davey Hearn should never have been brought. Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong.” — Statement from Hearn’s attorneys