Engineer Warned About Reflecting Pool Issues Before Trump’s Accusations

Early in June, a U.S. National Park Service engineer cautioned the Trump administration about issues with the Lincoln Reflecting Pool’s floor. Court filings indicated that the peeling resulted from the renovation process and materials used. Despite the warning, President Donald Trump accused several individuals of damaging the pool when it reopened.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., took action by charging former Olympian canoeist David Hearn with property destruction during a June 19 visit. An email sent by the Park Service engineer on June 11 signaled concerns about the peeling, which prosecutors included in a court filing. Notably, the U.S. Attorney’s Office admitted lacking documentation from the Interior Department regarding installation problems when charges against Hearn were made.

The engineer specified that the peeling involved the top layer of the liner, describing it as very thin and clarifying that it would not affect the liner’s strength. According to the Justice Department, the engineer mentioned that the contractor identified the peeled area as ‘overspray’ from spraying the perimeter joint with polyurea. This situation could lead to a 1’-2’ strip being vulnerable to peeling. The engineer communicated these concerns through emails to Interior Department and Park Service staff.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Spence remarked in the court filing that these statements raised doubts about the defendant’s responsibility for the lining damage. The information that the peeled liner was overspray, deemed of little value, only reached prosecutors weeks following the grand jury’s indictment of Hearn. Spence suggested that the documents revealing blistering and peeling might hinder the government’s ability to substantiate claims against Hearn.

On July 31, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under Jeanine Pirro, dropped the case against Hearn based on fresh information undermining the indictment’s evidence. Documents from the Interior Department indicated the damage resulted from contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings’ flawed installation in June 2026.

Trump publicly criticized Pirro for her decision to withdraw the charges, asserting that the pool had suffered vandalism. Hearn’s lawyers are now seeking a permanent block against any potential Justice Department’s politically motivated prosecution attempts.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in a recent filing, is asking a superior court judge to dismiss the case without prejudice. This would allow them the option to refile charges against Hearn in the future.