US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia whom he appointed, after she moved to drop charges against David "Davey" Hearn, a three-time Olympian accused of vandalising the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, August 4th, 2026, Trump said Pirro "made a mistake" and "choked" by abandoning the case. Rumors have emerged that Trump is considering removing her from the role, which she has held for just over a year.

The controversy stems from a multi-million-dollar renovation of the Reflecting Pool ordered by Trump in April 2026. The project aimed to fix leaks and change the pool's color to what Trump called "American flag blue." No-bid contracts were awarded to two businesses with personal ties to Trump, citing urgency to complete the work before Independence Day celebrations.

After the pool was refilled on June 4th, an algae bloom turned the water bright green. On June 19th, Hearn, who represented the United States in canoeing at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, stopped by during a bike ride and examined peeling coating in the pool.

A recent legal filing requested dismissal of the charges, stating, "Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt." Prosecutors noted damage throughout the pool, including areas unlikely to be targeted by vandals.

Trump has maintained the damage was caused by vandals, including damage to surrounding grass emblazoned with large letters, and expressed disbelief at the decision to drop charges.

Sources