Trump Disagrees with U.S. Attorney’s Decision on Reflecting Pool Case
President Donald Trump has expressed his strong disagreement with U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro regarding her assessment of the damage in the Reflecting Pool vandalism case. This marks an unusual public difference of opinion between Trump and one of his appointed officials.
On Truth Social, Trump criticized Pirro’s conclusion that the damage was due to “flawed installation” instead of vandalism, as she moved to dismiss felony charges against Olympian David Hearn. He stated, “I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, on the Reflecting Pool. I don’t know what she was thinking?”
Trump emphasized his view that it was a clear case of vandalism, involving the grass area marked with “86 47” in large letters and other parts of the surrounding landscape. He acknowledged some contractor issues but insisted that the primary damage resulted from vandalism.
There may have been some contractor difficulty, but the major damage was caused by VANDALS!
This statement opposes the stance taken by Pirro’s office. Prosecutors decided to dismiss the case earlier in the week after obtaining evidence showing that contractors, not Hearn, caused much of the damage to the Reflecting Pool. Court filings noted that while Hearn joined a demonstration near the pool, investigators lacked sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he caused the property damage mentioned in the complaint.
The incident originated from a protest in May where demonstrators entered the Reflecting Pool and displayed political messages, including “86 47” on the lawn. This slogan has sparked political debate, with some Trump supporters considering it a threat against him, while others view it as protected political speech.
Arrests Related to the Reflecting Pool
Federal authorities have arrested or cited at least 10 individuals for alleged vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. In June, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reported seven arrests, one of whom was Hearn.
On July 2, Pirro released a statement condemning the acts, saying, “These deliberate acts of destruction set back real progress and violate the law.” She added, “Vandalism at treasured places like the Reflecting Pool is an affront to our shared history and the dignity of our national heritage. These monuments belong to all of us, and we will protect them—and hold accountable those who seek to deface or diminish them.”
On July 8, three more individuals, Cameron Thiers, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Justin Carreno faced misdemeanors, accused of peeling and removing pieces of blue paint from the pool.
This is breaking news, and updates will follow as they become available.