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Dems Will Investigate Trump Admin’s Reflecting Pool “Vandalism” Charges

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10.08.2026

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Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have indicated that they are readying an investigation into the Trump administration’s decision to charge former Olympian David Hearn with alleged acts of vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

The New Republic’s Greg Sargent reported on the plan on Monday. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, divulged the idea to Sargent.

“Judiciary Democrats will investigate who lied, who buried the evidence, and who decided to threaten an American citizen with prison simply to protect Trump’s wounded feelings and continuing corruption,” Raskin said. “Participants in this frame-up will be held to account.”

Earlier this summer, Hearn was biking near the pool when he stopped to dip his hand in, as reports of the pool being damaged after chemicals were sprayed into the water to address a growing algae problem were making national headlines. After touching a piece of blue material that came off the bottom of the pool, he was arrested by National Park Service (NPS) officials, and later charged with felony level vandalism.

However, on July 31, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro dropped charges against Hearn. Per her office, documents obtained from within the Interior Department — which, publicly, was echoing President Donald Trump’s claims of vandals........

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