In the United States, a significant public disagreement arose between President Donald Trump and interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, regarding the vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This incident occurred during a protest in May 2026, where demonstrators entered the pool and displayed political messages. Following the protest, federal authorities arrested or cited at least ten individuals for alleged vandalism, including Olympian David Hearn. Initially, Pirro accused Hearn of deliberately damaging federal property, claiming he had violently pulled up the newly installed liner. However, weeks later, her office moved to dismiss the charges against Hearn, citing newly obtained evidence that indicated the damage was primarily due to flawed installation by contractors rather than vandalism. This reversal marked a rare public split between Trump and one of his appointees, as Trump criticized Pirro's findings and insisted that the major damage was caused by vandals. He shared surveillance footage that he claimed showed individuals damaging the pool, although the authenticity of the video evidence was questioned. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding the case, including the role of contractors and the political implications of the protest, as well as the challenges faced by federal prosecutors in proving the charges against Hearn.
