Trump Disagrees with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case

President Donald Trump expressed strong disagreement with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro of the District of Columbia over her assessment in the Reflecting Pool vandalism case. This marks an unusual public divergence between Trump and one of his appointees. On Saturday, in a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Pirro’s determination that the damage to the Reflecting Pool resulted from “flawed installation” rather than vandalism. Her office decided to dismiss felony charges against Olympian David Hearn.

Trump 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 contended that the incident was a clear case of vandalism. He highlighted that the grass had “86 47” in large letters, among other damages. “There may have been some contractor difficulty, but the major damage was caused by vandals!” Trump added.

This statement contradicts the position of Pirro’s office, which sought to dismiss the case earlier in the week. Federal prosecutors moved to drop charges against Hearn after finding new evidence suggesting contractors, not Hearn, were largely responsible for the damage. Court filings recognized that while Hearn was part of a demonstration near the pool, investigators could not conclusively prove he caused the property damage alleged in the criminal complaint.

The case originated from a May protest where participants entered the Reflecting Pool and displayed political messages, including “86 47” on the lawn. The slogan sparked political controversy, with some Trump supporters claiming it was a threat against the president, while others viewed it as protected speech.

Reflecting Pool Arrests

Federal authorities have arrested or cited at least 10 individuals related to alleged vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. In June, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reported that seven were apprehended, including Hearn.

On July 2, Pirro stated that “these deliberate acts of destruction set back real progress and violate the law.” She emphasized, “Vandalism at treasured places like the Reflecting Pool affronts 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, charges were filed against three more individuals, Cameron Thiers, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Justin Carreno. They were accused of misdemeanors, specifically for peeling and removing pieces of blue paint from the pool.