CNN host Kaitlan Collins recently highlighted statements made by former Trump administration officials who attributed damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to vandalism. These claims were later contradicted by the Justice Department's findings, which pointed to a botched installation.
During a segment, Collins presented a montage of officials who asserted that the damage was intentional and not a fabricated issue. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the problem was "very real" and described it as "vandalism." Similarly, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declared, "there was vandalism, with people literally trying to destroy part of a monument."
Former U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro also commented on the damage, suggesting significant intent to harm the pool. Her office had initially pursued a criminal case against former Olympian David Hearn for alleged vandalism before moving to drop the charges. Pirro stated, "Not only is it vandalism that is reflected in today’s indictment, but there is a cutting of the liner of the pool at the base of the pool for several yards across the pool, and someone was intent on doing incredible damage to the pool."
Collins concluded the montage with a pointed remark: "Apparently, that was the contractor hired by the Department of Interior."