President Donald Trump criticized longtime ally Jeanine Pirro after prosecutors dropped a case against former Olympian David Hearn, who had been accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool. The decision has drawn attention because the case involved a prominent Washington landmark and because Trump has continued to insist that vandalism occurred.
Pirro, who is associated with the Justice Department, was faulted by Trump for allowing the charge to be dismissed. Trump also criticized the department’s handling of the matter, arguing that those responsible for damage to the pool should face consequences.
Reports on the case say prosecutors acknowledged construction-related flaws and described the proceedings as rushed or botched. The dropped charge has therefore raised questions about whether the alleged damage resulted from vandalism, construction problems or a combination of circumstances.
The episode has become an unusual dispute involving the president, a political ally and a case that had attracted public attention because of the Reflecting Pool. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged damage and the decision not to proceed were not provided in the available reports.
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