WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump sharply criticized interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro after federal prosecutors dropped criminal charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, escalating tensions over a case that unraveled when officials determined the alleged damage was caused by a construction error rather than vandalism.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Trump expressed frustration with Pirro's handling of the case, saying he was "really disappointed" and accusing her of backing down under pressure.
"She folded like an umbrella," Trump said. "I think she choked."
The president also criticized the federal judge overseeing the proceedings, suggesting the court placed undue pressure on prosecutors instead of focusing on the facts surrounding the case.
Charges Dropped After New Evidence Emerged
The controversy centers on David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist who represented the United States in three Olympic Games. Hearn had pleaded not guilty to a felony charge alleging he damaged the newly installed blue liner in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
However, federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the case after the Trump administration acknowledged that the damage was not the result of vandalism.
According to court filings, officials determined the liner began peeling almost immediately after installation due to flaws in the contractor's work. The filing also stated that the Department of the Interior initially provided incomplete information to prosecutors, delaying the discovery that the damage stemmed from a faulty installation rather than criminal conduct.
Pirro Previously Called the Damage "Deliberate"
Earlier in the investigation, Pirro publicly described the incident as a deliberate act of destruction, alleging that Hearn had intentionally pulled and damaged the pool's protective lining.
Following the government's review of the evidence, prosecutors reversed course and formally requested dismissal of the charges.
Trump Responds to Questions About Pirro's Future
Reports have suggested that Trump is considering whether Pirro should remain in her position following the collapse of the case.
When asked whether he planned to reconsider her role as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Trump dismissed the question, telling the reporter:
"You're fake news. Don't ever talk again."
The White House has not announced any personnel changes, and Pirro has not publicly responded to Trump's remarks.
Why the Case Matters
The dismissal has sparked debate over the handling of high-profile federal prosecutions and the importance of verifying evidence before criminal charges are filed. It also raises questions about communication between federal agencies and prosecutors when investigating incidents involving national landmarks.
As scrutiny continues, the case has become another flashpoint in the broader conversation surrounding the Department of Justice, prosecutorial decision-making, and accountability within the federal government.
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