Trump doubles down on Reflecting Pool vandalism claims

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Tags: Donald Trump, Olympian, President, abc, abc news, attorney general, claims, p_cmsid=2494279, p_vid=news-135297423, politics, reflecting pool, vandalism, wnt

President Donald Trump says he disagrees with the U.S. attorney for dropping vandalism charges against former Olympian. -- Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/59aJ1G ABC News is your daily source of breaking national and world news, exclusive interviews and 24/7 live streaming coverage. https://abcnews

President Trump is strongly disagreeing [00:00] with US Attorney Jeanine Pirro's decision to drop vandalism charges against David Hearn, a former Olympic rower [00:16] who was originally arrested and accused of willfully destroying property at the Lincoln

Memorial reflecting pool [00:31].

The Department of Justice Reversal: In a Friday filing, the DOJ stated that newly provided documents from the Interior Department show that the damage was actually caused by a botched installation by a contractor [00:46],

rather than Hearn. The DOJ noted that a rush to complete the project ahead of the America 250 celebration around Independence Day contributed to the situation [01:00], and federal records indicate the company received a no-bid contract exceeding $14.6 mill

ion [01:09].

Statements from Officials: Jeanine Pirro explained that given the newly discovered information, it is no longer possible to establish vandalism beyond a reasonable doubt [01:17]. However, President Trump publicly criticized the decision, stati

ng that he views it as a clear case of vandalism [01:29].

Administration Blame Game: Following the dropped charges, Pirro criticized the Department of the Interior for lacking transparency [01:37], while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum fired back by stating

his agency provided expert and eyewitness testimony [01:43]. Both Burgum and Trump maintain that vandals have repeatedly damaged the reflecting pool [01:50].

Response from Defense: Attorneys for David Hearn stated that dropping the charges does not undo t

he government's overreach in arresting and charging an innocent citizen [01:52], adding that the administration owes him an apology [02:07].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXtz4LzYCZM

Trump doubles down on Reflecting Pool vandalism claims

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Viewer Discussion & Comments

@mariovillarreal8647

0 accountability syndrome

@melindawilson1367

The vandalism was caused by his arrogant drive through of his motorcade! He did it himself yet again, Trump never takes responsibility for his actions

@notarip

Circus... Something tells me they're going to owe Mr Hern a bit more than an apology.

@charlynxdu1202

Hearns should forgo the apology and sue Pirro and the DOJ for defamation

@TreeFart161

confident and wrong lmao the maga way

@nancysantamarialatica1141

Can’t admit wrong huh ? What a waste of taxpayers money.

@j3i2i2yl7

He can't admit that he lost the 2020 election either. He can't admit that his attack on Iran was a mistake.

@margf.6773

Donald cannot ever admit that he was wrong.

@videoinformer

Trump as president is the most prolific and harmful criminal in the history of the United States.

@BB1951

If anyone still believes Trump's lies they need to seek professional mental health. Pirro is gonna get fired soon.

@d.powers3428

Things a malignant narcissist will do for 500 Alex.

@georgegolden5041

Trump is going to get this woman disbarred, just like Rudy Giuliani.

@rhowerm

He literally had the entire motorcade drive right down the middle of it, 10 tons per vehicle. Trump IS the vandal.

@peachgoblind

Trump is such a colossal loser.

@jn1ty

DJT at his finest. No proof of a stolen election, no proof of vandalism but 100% sure they both are true. How can anyone trust his?