The Justice Department said Friday a “flawed installation” caused the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool‘s liner to peel, dismissing vandalism charges against former Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn.
Contractor Under Scrutiny as Blame Shifts
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Assistant Attorney Michael Spence told a judge that documents from the Department of the Interior pointed to a rushed, botched job by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
Pierre and Spence wrote, “The information subsequently demanded by the USAO and disclosed by the DOI—which was not known to the prosecutors or the grand jury before the return of the indictment—strongly suggests that a rushed and botched installation by AIC, the primary contractor, led to the damage to the lining of the Reflecting Pool.”
Atlantic Industrial Coatings did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for comment.
A Flashpoint in Trump’s Washington Overhaul
The 2,000-foot pool was refurbished with an “American flag blue” liner at President Donald Trump‘s request, as part of his broader push to remake the capital ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The $14.7 million project soon drew criticism, however, after algae blooms tinted the water green and pieces of the new liner began peeling away.
President Trump had initially blamed vandals for the damage, announcing plans in late June to drain the pool after Jul. 4 for repairs.
Following Friday’s dismissal, Hearn’s lawyers said the dropped charges don’t erase “the abuse of government power,” adding that the administration owes their client an apology.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
