On Saturday, August 2, 2026, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dismissed charges against former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who had been accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Pirro determined that the peeled paint damage was caused by a "flawed installation by the contractor" rather than vandalism, and she placed responsibility on the Interior Department for the issue.

President Trump expressed opposition to Pirro's decision, taking issue with the dismissal of charges against Hearn.

The case highlights differing views on the cause of the damage to the Reflecting Pool and the appropriate accountability.

Sources