The Trump White House has asked the Justice Department to examine potential new charges related to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, despite the department's prior decision to drop cases against Olympian David Hearn.
The White House's request to revive dropped charges raises concerns about potential political interference in the Justice Department's independent operations, a departure from decades-long practice.
The White House has asked the Justice Department to examine potential new charges against Olympian David Hearn concerning alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This request follows US Attorney Jeanine Pirro's decision to drop prior cases against Hearn and others, citing evidence that widespread damage to the landmark was the result of flawed contracting work rather than intentional destruction.
President Donald Trump reportedly expressed fury at Pirro's decision and has continued to blame vandals for issues with the $14.7 million project, despite acknowledging a lack of proof of sabotage. Hearn's legal team has stated that any new charges would represent further harassment of an innocent man.
The discussions, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, involve the Criminal Division at Justice Department headquarters. A local judge has dismissed the case against Hearn and will decide whether prosecutors can seek new charges or if the prosecution will be permanently ended. The conversations are preliminary, and no final decision has been made.