President Donald Trump has acknowledged that errors by contractors contributed to issues with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation. "As with many jobs, there was also some contractor error done by rushing the job for a July 4th opening, but it was a very small area of this massive Pool, and was relatively inconsequential," Trump stated on social media Sunday.
Trump reiterated claims that the pool lining was vandalized by individuals after the renovation became a point of contention. He accused former Olympian David Hearn of vandalizing the pool, citing a witness who alleged Hearn was "violently ripping and tugging" the liner. Trump expressed disappointment over the lack of video evidence to convict Hearn and other suspects, but indicated that additional security cameras would be installed to deter future vandalism.
"There was substantial other damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or proof, other than the damage, itself," Trump wrote, adding that the pool would reopen shortly.
Hearn's lawyers have threatened to sue Trump for "continued harassment" related to the Reflecting Pool incident, calling the allegations "outrageous."
Trump had previously stated he was not "thrilled" with the work completed by contractors under an accelerated timeline. "I'm not saying I was 100 percent thrilled with the contractor, but the contractor was rushing. We wanted to get it open for July 4th, and we got it done," he told reporters last week.
Last week, Trump voiced frustration that US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro had dropped charges against Hearn and others arrested for alleged vandalism. "I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed with Jeanine Pirro," Trump said. "She folded like an umbrella, and people get away with things, and it's a disgrace."
Court documents released Friday indicated that new evidence "undermines the evidentiary basis for the indictment." The filing revealed that new documents suggested the damage to the pool "was the result of a botched installation and not vandalism as initially represented" by the Interior Department.
"Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt," the filing states. Hearn had previously told the Daily Mail that the arrest and charges were unfounded and untrue, stating, "I didn't rip, tear, destruct, destroy, or harm in any way, any part of the reflecting pool."
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was partially drained for repairs.
Government lawyers acknowledged the damage was likely caused by a botched installation.
President Trump has been personally invested in the renovation of the reflecting pool.
Trump stated that the Reflecting Pool will be reopened shortly after repairs are complete.
