President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for her handling of a vandalism case involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. During an Oval Office event, Trump described Pirro’s actions as “choking” and said she “folded like an umbrella” by choosing to drop charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused in the incident.
Despite being questioned, Trump did not indicate whether he would dismiss Pirro, a former Fox News host and close ally whom he appointed as a top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. However, the president’s criticism was pointed, blaming Pirro for not pursuing those responsible and feeling the judge was harsh. He continued to assert that vandalism was a factor, despite Pirro’s assessment blaming poor construction.
I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed,” Trump stated, characterizing her actions as a setback for the Justice Department during his second term. “She folded like an umbrella.” He emphasized his continued disagreement with her decision, saying, “I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro.”
Pirro was seen entering the White House on Monday, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who supported Trump’s vandalism claims, was also present. Hearn, accused of tampering with the pool’s coating, insists he was merely on a bike ride and complied with a park worker’s request. He may pursue action under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, commented on Pirro’s predicament, advising against making baseless allegations before a federal judge. He noted the seriousness of the judiciary and anticipated potential legal action from Hearn.
In conjunction with Hearn’s case, charges were dropped against three others accused of similar misdemeanors related to the Reflecting Pool. These individuals had pleaded not guilty and faced destruction of property charges under $1,000.
Trump also distanced himself from the Reflecting Pool project, which he had initially supported as part of improvements to Washington, D.C. He mentioned previous involvement with Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a contractor linked to his properties. The company received a $14.7 million contract to repair the pool, but Trump clarified, “I didn’t know the contractor,” and expressed some dissatisfaction with the rushed work done before Independence Day.
Crucial repairs are currently taking place, but details on completion and additional costs remain undisclosed by the White House. However, Trump assured that the Reflecting Pool would be “fixed” and reopened within two weeks, though specific information was not provided.