President Trump Expresses Disappointment in Jeanine Pirro Over Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case
President Trump expressed significant disappointment in Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, following the Justice Department's decision to drop several vandalism charges related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. While the administration announced that the $14 million renovation was a "hasty and botched" installation by a contractor, Jeanine Pirro blamed the Department of the Interior for failing to provide timely evidence. Conversely, President Trump maintained that the vandals were responsible for the damage, leading to his public criticism of Pirro for "folding like an umbrella" when the judge faced the flawed installation evidence. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the administration's position, asserting that the evidence clearly showed damage caused by vandals. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors dropped charges against three individuals, including Justin Carreno and Dr. Sophie Dennison-Gibby, who were arrested for minor actions like picking up litter or a loose piece of paint. The case of former Olympian David Hearn remains pending, as a judge has yet to officially dismiss his charges despite the administration's request.