- President Donald Trump said Monday that U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro “folded like an umbrella” in moving to drop charges against a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- Trump expressed his disappointment, stating, “I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed”, after initially posting on social media that he disagreed with her decision.
- The decision to dismiss charges against David Hearn represents a rare moment during Trump’s second term where an aide openly defied him.
- Trump also mentioned that the Reflecting Pool would be “fixed” and reopened in the next week and a half to two weeks.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's decision to drop charges against David Hearn, accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, has sparked controversy. President Trump criticized her, stating, "I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed. She folded like an umbrella."
The charges against Hearn were dismissed, marking a rare instance of a Trump appointee defying the president. Trump remarked, "I think she choked because the judge was really vicious." Hearn claimed he merely touched the pool's coating during a bike ride, following a park worker's instructions.
Additionally, charges against three others accused of removing paint from the pool were also dropped. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor responsible for the pool's restoration, stating, "I’m not saying I was 100% thrilled with the contractor, but the contractor was rushing." He assured that the Reflecting Pool would be "fixed" and reopened within two weeks.
Republican Senator John Kennedy warned, "You better not go before a federal judge and make allegations you can’t back up." Hearn may pursue legal action for compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act, according to Kennedy.
Pirro was seen entering the White House after Trump's comments, but has not publicly responded to the criticism.
“Pirro was spotted walking into the White House on Monday evening, and Sen. John Kennedy said Hearn will likely sue or seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Charges were also dropped against three others in the same D.C. court, while Trump said the pool would be fixed and reopened in 1.5–2 weeks.”
