Justice Department Admits Reflecting Pool Renovation Was Flawed, Drops Vandalism Charges
The Justice Department has acknowledged that the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was due to a flawed renovation process rather than vandalism, as previously claimed by President Trump. The $14 million renovation, which included painting the pool's bottom an intense blue, was ordered by Trump to be completed by the Fourth of July. However, the renovation faced significant criticism and was later found to be 'hasty and botched.' Federal prosecutors have dropped charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the pool. The decision marks a reversal from earlier claims that vandals were responsible for the damage, which included peeling of the pool's lining and algae blooms. 
