"Democrats are reacting to the Justice Department’s move to drop its Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool vandalism case against 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 multimillion-dollar renovation.

Democrats seized on the opportunity to slam the administration and accuse President Trump of weaponizing the Justice Department."

Finya Swai reports for The Hill August 1, 2026. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Trump Blasts Pirro After She Refutes His Claim That Reflecting Pool Was Damaged By Vandals" (AP) [3]