WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro following her decision to drop charges against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. During an Oval Office event, Trump criticized Pirro, stating she “choked” and “folded like an umbrella” in her handling of the case.
Trump’s remarks came as he faced questions regarding whether he would dismiss Pirro from her position. Although he refrained from making any definitive statements about her job security, he reiterated his disappointment with her assessment that the damage to the Reflecting Pool stemmed from poor construction rather than vandalism.
“Frankly, I think she choked because the judge was really vicious,” Trump commented. “Instead of going after the people that did it, the judge went after her and went after her department, and I guess she choked.” His comments highlighted the tension between the President and his appointee, particularly in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
The decision to dismiss charges against Hearn marked a rare instance in Trump’s presidency where a political appointee openly contradicted him, which further fueled the controversy surrounding the Reflecting Pool project. Hearn claimed he was merely inspecting the pool’s condition when he touched a peeling area, asserting that he complied with a park worker’s request to let go.
In addition to Hearn, charges were also dropped against three others accused of similar misdemeanors related to the Reflecting Pool, raising questions about the prosecution’s approach and the evidence presented in court.
Trump’s discontent with Pirro’s handling of the case was evident as he stated, “I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed. She folded like an umbrella.” His remarks reflect a broader concern within the administration about accountability and the perception of justice being served.
Pirro, who has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments, was seen entering the White House later that evening. The administration’s handling of the Reflecting Pool has faced scrutiny, especially given its significance as a national landmark.
Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the importance of presenting credible allegations in court. “All I know is, you better not go before a federal judge and make allegations you can’t back up,” he remarked. Kennedy also suggested that Hearn might pursue legal action or compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
In a twist, Trump distanced himself from the contractor involved in the Reflecting Pool project, despite previously praising their work. He stated, “I didn’t know the contractor,” contradicting earlier comments about his involvement in selecting the firm responsible for the repairs.
The Reflecting Pool, which underwent significant repairs in preparation for Independence Day celebrations, has faced ongoing issues, resulting in further work being necessary. Trump assured the public that it would be “fixed” and reopened within two weeks, although specifics about the timeline and costs remain unclear.
As the situation develops, it reflects the complexities of managing high-profile public projects amid political pressures, underscoring the challenges faced by those in leadership positions.
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Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
