President Donald Trump publicly rebuked U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Saturday, declaring he “disagrees 100%” with her decision to dismiss the felony vandalism case against former Olympian David Hearn. The statement, shared via a public post, characterized the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as “a pure case of VANDALISM,” noting that grass had been “86 47” carved into it and other areas were affected. Trump acknowledged potential contractor difficulties but insisted the “major damage was caused by VANDALS.”

Pirro’s office previously indicted Hearn on a felony count of destruction of property after prosecutors alleged he damaged the pool’s blue sealant in June 19. The government initially framed the act as deliberate vandalism against a national landmark, citing over $1,000 in damages and linking it to preparations for America’s 250th anniversary events. However, following receipt of additional documents from the Interior Department, Pirro’s team filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing contractor installation errors—such as rushed work before Independence Day festivities—undermined the original vandalism claim.

The dismissal motion cited evidence showing widespread damage beyond typical vandal activity and contractors facing significant installation challenges. A later visual inspection revealed inconsistencies in the pool’s condition that could not be attributed to deliberate acts. The government’s decision to dismiss Hearn’s case without prejudice left open the possibility of refiled charges if new evidence emerged, though Trump emphasized the visible nature of the damage, urging Americans to “look at the damage for themselves.” His public stance directly contrasts Pirro’s office position, framing the issue as a clear distinction between vandalism and contractor-related complications.