Another Trump Case Falls Apart
Federal prosecutors have dropped the case against David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Evidence revealed the damage was caused by a botched installation rather than vandalism, contradicting claims made by the Trump administration.
Why it matters
The dismissal highlights potential government overreach and the politicization of infrastructure maintenance and legal proceedings.
Federal prosecutors admitted that they don’t have evidence to prove the Reflecting Pool was vandalized.
Tom Brenner / Getty July 31, 2026, 9:15 PM ET Share Save As government prosecutors examined the Reflecting Pool to build their case against a three-time Olympic canoeist accused of violently ripping the lining with his bare hands, everything fell apart. They found that damage was consistent all around the pool, even in the middle, “where a vandal would not likely attempt to peel the lining.” This evening, the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro asked to drop the case against David Hearn, whom she had excoriated after his indictment 29 days ago.
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