Trump’s Latest Obsession Will Be a Huge Headache for Todd Blanche

Key Points:

• Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin has launched an investigation into U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office over the indictment and subsequent dismissal of vandalism charges against David Hearn related to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which was caused by contractor error rather than Hearn’s actions.
• The Trump administration’s DOJ initially pursued felony charges against Hearn despite evidence indicating the pool's damage was due to flawed installation, raising concerns of potential political retaliation or scapegoating directed by President Trump.
• After the charges were dismissed, President Trump publicly criticized Pirro and pressured her to reconsider, while the White House is reportedly discussing with the DOJ the possibility of new charges against Hearn, despite legal obstacles such as a pending hearing on whether the dismissal should be with prejudice.
• This case exemplifies a broader pattern of questionable prosecutions and dropped cases linked to the Trump administration, including other instances where federal prosecutors abandoned cases amid allegations of misconduct or vindictiveness.
• Additional Slate Jurisprudence coverage includes discussions on reclaiming constitutional power, critiques of Trump’s IRS settlement and executive orders on birthright citizenship, and reporting on systemic issues in New York’s prison system highlighted by a recent inmate death.