Trump Presses Jeanine Pirro Over Reflecting Pool ‘Vandalism’ After Charges Dropped

President Donald Trump spent the weekend renewing public pressure on U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, insisting that damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was the result of vandalism even after prosecutors dropped related criminal charges citing insufficient evidence.

On Sunday, Mr. Trump posted an image of court documents on Truth Social, asserting a "highly credible witness" had seen 67-year-old former Olympian Davey Hearn "violently" tear the pool's newly applied coating. He also shared photos labeled "Vandalism" and a screenshot from X as further evidence of deliberate damage.

Pirro's office moved to dismiss the case after court filings showed prosecutors had not received full information from the Interior Department and that the blue sealant began peeling "almost immediately" after a rushed installation. Prosecutors concluded the damage was more likely the result of a botched renovation than criminal acts.

Trump continues to insist that vandals were responsible for cutting the recently applied lining of the Reflecting Pool despite his own administration appearing to admit that there is no evidence to support his claims (Getty)

"I was disappointed in Jeanine Pirro. Really disappointed with Jeanine Pirro. She folded like an umbrella," the president told reporters. He later said he believed Pirro had "choked" under pressure from the judge overseeing the matter.

Davey Hearn has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. His lawyers told The Independent the case "should have never been brought," calling the prosecution "ready, fire, aim," and saying the government owes him an apology.

The refurbishment itself drew scrutiny for bypassing standard competitive bidding. The contract was awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC, described in public accounts as a roughly $14.7 million contract; the administration said parts of the work were completed quickly to meet Fourth of July timelines at a reported cost of around $1.5 million. Early rain, wind and missed testing deadlines reportedly forced hurried work, after which the coating and sealant deteriorated and algae returned to the pool.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly insisted vandals cut the lining—he has alleged nearly 300 feet of slashing with a knife or box cutter and claimed witnesses and video exist—while acknowledging that beyond the visible damage there is "no video or proof" publicly provided by investigators. Pirro's office, citing incomplete records and inspection findings, declined to pursue criminal charges.

The dispute has spilled into the open, illustrating tensions between the White House and the U.S. attorney overseeing the matter and raising questions about the project's procurement, installation quality, and the evidence needed to bring criminal accusations in a high-profile public-works failure.