Trump Criticizes Pirro Over Dropped Reflecting Pool Charges

President Donald Trump publicly criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Monday for dropping vandalism charges against former Olympian David Hearn, accusing her of 'folding like an umbrella' over damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The reflecting pool underwent a $14.7 million renovation ahead of Independence Day celebrations but developed algae blooms and peeling lining shortly after its completion.

Trump had initially blamed vandals for the damage, but Pirro's office acknowledged in court filings that the damage resulted from a botched installation by the contractor. The charges against Hearn were dropped after it was revealed that the damage occurred due to flawed installation. Trump claimed surveillance footage showed people cutting newly installed waterproofing material around the pool, though no such footage has been produced.

Pirro's office stated they received documents from the Interior Department only after the indictment was returned, indicating that the damage was due to a rushed and flawed installation process. Trump considered firing Pirro but held back after meeting with her on Monday. He expressed disappointment in Pirro's decision to drop the charges and blamed a judge for putting pressure on her.

Attorneys for David Hearn have filed a motion to dismiss his felony indictment with prejudice, meaning the government could not reintroduce future charges on the same alleged crime. Hearn's attorneys claimed that the prosecution was 'politically motivated' and devoid of adequate factual support. They noted that Trump and the secretary of the interior publicly attacked Pirro for the dismissal.

Fox News provided notably sparse coverage of President Trump's criticism of former network star Jeanine Pirro during an Oval Office press conference. While the network aired the press conference live, it did not immediately replay Trump's critical comments about Pirro. Instead, anchors Sandra Smith and John Roberts segued into discussions on other topics. It was only around three hours later that Fox mentioned Trump's comments towards Pirro during Special Report with Bret Baier.

Trump doubled down on his criticism of Pirro in subsequent interviews, stating that he believed there was 'tremendous vandalism' and that Pirro made a 'terrible mistake.' He indicated that while he thought her decision was terrible, it did not necessarily mean she should be replaced. According to the New York Times, Pirro accused Interior Secretary Doug Burgum of misleading the president about the rushed renovation by a vendor awarded a no-bid contract from the interior department.

Hearn's attorneys have indicated that all options are on the table for legal action, including civil suits, bar referrals for the prosecutors involved, requests for sanctions, and reimbursement of attorneys' fees and expenses. They argued that the case should never have been brought and that its dismissal does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong.

On Friday, Trump urged Pirro to 're-visit her hastily made decision' on Truth Social, claiming that people are reporting pure vandalism at The Reflecting Pool. A D.C. judge dismissed the case against David Hearn, 67, who faced 10 years in prison on a felony charge. Defense attorneys have requested the dismissal of misdemeanor charges against three other people accused of vandalism.