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Trump administration was warned about peeling Reflecting Pool nearly a month before it brought vandalism case
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- A National Park Service engineer warned the Trump administration in early June that the Lincoln Reflecting Pool's floor was peeling due to renovation materials, prior to the pool reopening.
- Despite this, President Trump accused individuals of damaging the pool, leading to former Olympian David Hearn being charged with destruction of property during a June 19 visit.
- Court filings revealed prosecutors were unaware of the engineer's warning and contractor issues when charging Hearn, casting doubt on whether he caused any damage.
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office dropped charges against Hearn on July 31 after obtaining documents indicating the damage was due to flawed contractor installation, not vandalism.
- Hearn’s attorneys are seeking to block any politically motivated prosecution, while prosecutors have requested the case be dismissed without prejudice, preserving the option to refile charges.
