Key facts
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office stated damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was due to shoddy workmanship, not vandalism.
- President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with Pirro's decision to drop charges, claiming evidence of vandalism was visible.
- Trump's administration has faced criticism for potentially being influenced by "bad advice" from staff.
- Pirro's office had previously pursued a probe involving the Federal Reserve and its then-chair Jerome Powell.
- Pirro stated her office makes decisions based on merits and expects cooperation from the Federal Reserve.
President Donald Trump publicly rebuked U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for her office's handling of a case involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, stating she "choked" under pressure and that there was clear evidence of vandalism. Pirro's office, however, admitted in court filings that the damage was due to shoddy workmanship, not vandalism.
Trump expressed his displeasure with Pirro's decision to drop charges against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of touching a sealant in the damaged pool. Trump told reporters that Pirro was "totally wrong" and that "everybody saw the vandalism" on tape. This public disagreement highlights the challenges Trump faces in convincing Americans of his narratives, particularly ahead of midterm elections.
Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley commented that Trump's rebuke sends a message to administration officials against contradicting him, fostering an environment of "group-think." Professor Julian Zelizer noted that such controversies reflect a president struggling to shape narratives amid low approval ratings.
Previously, Pirro's office had pursued a subpoena against the Federal Reserve and its then-chair Jerome Powell concerning a renovation project. Pirro defended her actions, stating her office makes decisions based on merits. The Justice Department eventually dropped its probe into Pirro's actions regarding the Federal Reserve after a prosecutor indicated no evidence of a crime was found.
Hearn's legal team has urged a judge to dismiss the case, arguing it was politically motivated and lacked sufficient evidence from the outset.