In early June, a U.S. National Park Service engineer alerted the Trump administration to issues with the Lincoln Reflecting Pool renovation. The engineer warned about the floor peeling due to the materials and process used. Despite this warning, President Donald Trump accused several individuals of damaging the pool when it reopened.
Among those accused was former Olympian canoeist David Hearn, charged with property destruction during a June 19 visit. An email from June 11, included in a court filing, showed the engineer had notified the administration of the peeling. Prosecutors later stated they lacked documentation from the Interior Department regarding installation problems when Hearn was charged.
The engineer noted that only the top liner layer had peeled, deeming it ‘very thin’ and not affecting liner strength. The contractor called the peeled area ‘overspray’ from applying polyurea to the perimeter. The engineer’s warning indicated potential vulnerability to further peeling.
The engineer’s email reached the Interior Department and Park Service personnel. An image of the partly drained reflecting pool was taken on August 12, showing the Washington Monument’s reflection.
These statements cast significant doubt that the defendant caused damage to the lining.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Spence referenced the engineer’s warning and Hearn’s actions in this statement. Information provided to prosecutors weeks after indictment indicated the peeled liner was overspray, seen as negligible in value.
Spence highlighted that documents showing blistering and peeling reported by contractors weakened the case against Hearn. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, headed by Jeanine Pirro, dropped the charges against Hearn. New information revealed issues arose from flawed contractor installation, not individual actions, in June 2026.
Trump criticized Pirro’s decision to retract charges and claimed vandalism occurred. Hearn’s attorneys are pursuing a permanent block against a potential ‘politically motivated prosecution.’ The U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks case dismissal without prejudice, keeping open the option to recharge Hearn at a later date.