President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the rushed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted in "contractor error" but continues to assert that vandalism caused damage to the landmark.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump cited a National Park Service worker who he claims witnessed former Olympic canoeist David Hearn damaging the pool in June. Hearn had been facing felony property destruction charges after allegedly reaching into the water and removing part of the pool's lining.
The Department of Justice dropped the charges against Hearn on Thursday, determining that the damage was caused by contractors. Trump, however, conceded that the $16 million renovation was hurried for a July 4th opening, leading to "some contractor error." He described this error as affecting a "very small area" and being "relatively inconsequential."
Trump maintained that a "highly credible" career NPS employee saw Hearn "violently ripping and tugging at the Pool's somewhat delicate coating." He also pointed to an "acid like material" used on the grass near the pool, where the phrase "86 47" was found. The Trump administration has interpreted this phrase as a call for violence against the president. "There was substantial other damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or proof, other than the damage, itself," Trump stated.
The DOJ's decision to dismiss the case against Hearn followed the receipt of additional documents from the Interior Department that contradicted the vandalism claims. The department's filing indicated the damage resulted from a botched installation by a contractor and the "rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the American 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026."
Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the case, and charges have also been dropped against three other individuals previously charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing paint from the pool. Trump has criticized the dismissal, stating that the prosecutor "choked" and "folded like an umbrella."
Lawyers for Hearn had argued that the pool's condition was publicly documented for weeks, with the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, acknowledging before Hearn's indictment that repairs were needed. The firm was awarded a $14.7 million no-bid contract for the project, which has since exceeded its initial budget.
Despite the legal developments, Trump reiterated his belief in vandalism, defending the contractors and stating, "There were a couple of little things, but that was not a big deal. And everybody saw the vandalism. All you have to do is look at the tape."
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been a focus of controversy since Trump took personal oversight of its renovation, which included adding an "American flag blue" liner. The project experienced issues with peeling coating and algae growth, turning the water a murky green. Security cameras are reportedly being installed at the pool, which is expected to reopen soon.