Democrats slam Trump admin after DOJ drops Reflecting Pool vandalism case
The Hill · C · trust 46/100
Comments: by Finya Swai - 08/01/26 10:04 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 08/01/26 10:04 PM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Democrats are reacting to the Justice Department’s move to drop its Reflecting Pool vandalism case against a former Olympian David Hearn, saying the move validated their longstanding criticism that the administration is weaponizing the Justice Department.
The Justice Department on Friday moved to dismiss its felony destruction of property charge against Hearn after finding that the damage to the pool’s lining was caused by a “rushed and botched installation,” not vandalism as alleged.
While the department’s conclusion cited construction faults in its reasoning to dismiss the case, the Trump administration rejected the conclusion and continued to argue vandalism was the reason for the botched multi-million dollar renovation.
Democrats seized on the opportunity to slam the administration and accuse President Trump of weaponizing the DOJ.
“Another embarrassment to Donald Trump as he weaponizes the Justice Department to go after those he perceives to be his enemies — only to have to drop the charges,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) wrote on the social platform X .
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) argued Hearn, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, should have legal recourse after being prosecuted.
“Maliciously prosecuted clearly innocent people like David Hearn should have remedies against federal officials who unconscionably target them,” Blumenthal wrote on X .
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) accused Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who doubled down on claims that the damage to the pool was caused by vandals, of misrepresenting the facts of the case.
“You are lying when it comes to Olympian David Hearn. The court filing from trump’s own Justice Dept proves it,” Lieu said in response to Burgum’s comments. “The DOJ admitted the Reflecting Pool failed because of shoddy contracting work. This calls into question how much of what you said are lies.”
In a separate post , Lieu alleged that Hearn’s prosecution was politically motivated, calling it “unethical” behavior from interim Attorney General Todd Blanche and the department he helms.
“The only reason @TheJusticeDept charged Olympian David Hearn was to sooth trump’s fragile ego,” he wrote. “The Justice Dept knew they were indicting an innocent person. This is unethical, radical, criminal behavior by @DAGToddBlanche and his thugs at the Department.”
He ended the post by writing that “November is coming,” indicating that this could be an issue that may move voters in this year’s midterm elections.
Hearn was indicted earlier this month after prosecutors alleged he “forcefully and violently” ripped about two square feet of the pool’s liner. The three-time Olympic canoeist pleaded not guilty, arguing that he left the pool in the same condition in which he found it.
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