White House Explores New Charges Against Former Olympian in Reflecting Pool Case

The White House has asked the Justice Department to consider the possibility of new criminal charges against former Olympian David Hearn. This request follows federal prosecutors’ decision to dismiss the previous indictment accusing him of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool. Sources familiar with the situation reported this development on the heels of discussions between the White House and the Department.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro initially charged Hearn with felony destruction of government property, with damage estimated over $1,000. This allegation related to harm done to a recently applied sealant in the Reflecting Pool, a project supported by President Trump. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report these discussions.

However, prosecutors moved to dismiss the indictment without prejudice, suggesting the possibility of reopening the case. They cited new evidence indicating the damage was due to a “botched installation” by a contractor and not vandalism.

President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with this decision on Truth Social, suggesting vandalism was a major factor. “I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, on the Reflecting Pool,” he stated.

Following criticism, including from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Pirro was seen visiting the White House carrying evidence gathered by the Interior Department. These items reportedly cleared Hearn and others from criminal vandalism charges.

A D.C. Superior Court judge later formally dismissed the case while remaining undecided on whether it was with or without prejudice. The outcome could influence the reinstatement of the felony case, with further briefings expected in late summer and early fall.

The conversation between the White House and the Criminal Division was exploratory, examining whether a misdemeanor charge could be pursued without a grand jury, according to a source. No decision has been reached.

Additionally, Washington prosecutors dropped charges against three others accused of causing under $1,000 in damage to the Reflecting Pool.

Michael Bromwich, representing Hearn, criticized efforts to revive the case. He stated there was insufficient evidence against Hearn and called for the DOJ to redirect focus towards “actual criminal activity.”