Trump slams Jeanine Pirro for dropping Reflecting Pool vandalism cases, says she "choked"

Updated on: August 3, 2026 / 10:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Trump slams Jeanine Pirro for dropping Reflecting Pool vandalism cases, says she "choked"

TL;DR

  • President Trump publicly criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping vandalism cases concerning the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
  • The Justice Department moved to dismiss charges against David Hearn, stating evidence pointed to "contractor error" and "botched installation" rather than vandalism.
  • Trump called Pirro's decision a mistake and stated she "choked" and "folded like an umbrella."
  • Pirro's office also moved to dismiss or drop prosecutions against three other individuals charged with vandalism at the pool.
  • Despite Trump's public rebuke, sources suggest Pirro's job is safe for now.
  • Hearn's attorneys stated the case "should never have been brought" and that the government owes him an apology.