President Trump publicly criticized Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, on Monday for her decision to drop vandalism cases involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. During an Oval Office appearance, the president expressed his frustration, stating he was disappointed with the prosecutor and suggesting she had “choked” by abandoning the legal proceedings.
The controversy stems from a Justice Department court filing submitted last Friday, which moved to dismiss charges against 67-year-old former Olympian David Hearn. Prosecutors stated that the Interior Department had incorrectly identified damage to the pool’s lining as vandalism. Instead, evidence indicated that the issues were caused by a “botched installation” and “contractor error.”
Hearn, a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, was arrested on June 19 after authorities observed him touching the pool during a 64-mile bike ride. He was accused of removing a piece of sealant, an allegation he consistently denied. Following the dismissal, Hearn’s legal team issued a statement asserting that the case should never have been initiated and that the government owes their client an apology.
In addition to the Hearn case, court filings in D.C. Superior Court reveal that Pirro’s office has moved to drop misdemeanor charges against three other individuals previously accused of vandalizing the monument. This shift marks a significant reversal for Pirro, who had previously held a press conference to condemn such acts, stating that unchecked vandalism and civil disorder were unacceptable behaviors that necessitated prosecution.
The president’s public remarks followed a social media post on Truth Social where he explicitly stated he disagreed with the decision. When asked by reporters on Monday whether he intended to fire Pirro, the president declined to comment. The White House also deferred questions regarding her future in the administration to the president’s earlier statements.
Despite the public reprimand, sources familiar with the situation informed that Pirro’s position remains secure for the time being. Although she met with the president in the Oval Office on Monday, she did not resign, nor did she inquire about stepping down. Insiders noted that while the president is clearly frustrated by the dismissal of the charges, he has not moved to terminate her employment.
The president’s comments on Monday were notably sharp, with him telling reporters that Pirro “folded like an umbrella” and that he was unsure what led to the decision to drop the cases. He appeared visibly irritated when questioned about whether he was reconsidering her role as the top federal prosecutor for the district.
This report incorporates contributions from Jennifer Jacobs, Nancy Cordes, and Jacob Rosen. The initial coverage has been updated to clarify that all additional charges dropped by the U.S. Attorney’s office were classified as misdemeanors.
I don’t know what the hell happened.”
According to court filings reviewed by in D.C.
The president had previously voiced his displeasure on Truth Social, writing Saturday, “I disagree 100%” with Pirro’s decision on the Reflecting Pool case.
That move did not rest well with Mr.
Multiple sources later told that Pirro’s job is safe for now.
This unchecked vandalism and civil disorder turns into criminal behavior, and that’s why we are here today.”
