U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated Sunday that he supports Washington D.C. prosecutor Jeanine Pirro following public criticism from President Donald Trump regarding a dismissed vandalism case. During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Blanche addressed the President’s remarks about Pirro’s decision to drop charges related to alleged damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, stating it was unfair to judge her based on a single case where evidence was insufficient.
The dispute stems from a $14.7 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool, which was fast-tracked by the Trump administration for Fourth of July celebrations. Shortly after completion, an algae bloom appeared and material began peeling from the pool's floor. Federal authorities initially charged former U.S. Olympian David Hearn and others with vandalism, but Pirro moved to dismiss the case on July 31, 2026.
In court filings, Pirro attributed the peeling to "flawed" work by a contractor and stated the Interior Department had initially provided incomplete information. President Trump later posted that Pirro "choked" and should revisit her "hastily made decision." While Blanche acknowledged a witness had reported seeing vandalism, he noted that a witness account is not the same as having legal proof for a conviction.
The fiscal impact involves the $14.7 million in taxpayer funds spent on the fast-tracked renovation. With the project now showing signs of structural failure—such as peeling surfaces—taxpayers and the Interior Department face the cost of potential repairs or further litigation against contractors. The decision to drop charges against David Hearn and other defendants means these individuals no longer face the immediate legal fees or potential prison time associated with federal vandalism charges, though the White House has requested the DOJ explore new charges.
The outcome sets a precedent for how the DOJ handles projects that fail shortly after completion under political pressure. A person living in D.C. or visiting the National Mall will continue to see the physical effects of the peeling pool until new renovation plans are finalized. The next steps include a DOJ review of potential new charges as requested by the White House, while Blanche, who was confirmed by Senate Republicans on August 8, 2026, continues to manage the department following concerns from some lawmakers regarding his independence.
Blanche, who was confirmed by a narrow margin earlier in August, also defended Pirro’s broader record, stating she is doing a "phenomenal job" enforcing the law. The White House has recently requested the Justice Department to examine whether new charges can be filed regarding the pool. Blanche did not provide a specific timeline for when this review would be completed.