Trump-Pirro Reflecting Pool Clash

Trump disputes the DOJ's decision to drop the Reflecting Pool vandalism case.

•Left & Center

Trump rips Pirro decision after DOJ drops Reflecting Pool case: ‘I don’t agree’

DOJ dropping Reflecting Pool vandalism case against Olympian David Hearn, citing 'flawed' work by contractor

Burgum weighs in on alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism case after DOJ dismissal

Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

The Justice Department moved on Friday to dismiss a felony destruction-of-property case against David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In a court filing, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the damage was caused by a “botched” or “flawed” installation by a contractor, not vandalism. President Donald Trump criticized Pirro on Saturday, writing that he “disagreed 100%” and calling it “a pure case of VANDALISM.” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also rejected DOJ’s assessment and said vandals were responsible.

The Coverage

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Some commentary

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Coverage Angles

Hearn MistreatedLeans Left

David Hearn was unfairly made a target after the Reflecting Pool case fell apart. Officials owe him an apology for continuing to treat him as culpable without proof that he vandalized the landmark.

Faulty WorkLeans Left

The Reflecting Pool damage came from faulty renovation work, not vandalism. Trump and other officials kept pushing a vandalism story even as prosecutors and available evidence pointed to installation failures.

Pirro ClashLeans Left

Trump was furious that Jeanine Pirro declined or dropped the Reflecting Pool prosecution. He turned on his own appointee and publicly humiliated her over a decision that undercut his preferred narrative.