Story perspectives

DOJ Dismisses Hearn Felony Case Over $14M Renovation Flaw

8/2/2026

Summary

DOJ Dismisses Hearn

The Justice Department dismissed the felony case against David Hearn on August 1, 2026, citing a botched installation.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro filed a motion naming Atlantic Industrial Coatings and a $14 million renovation for America 250 that caused the liner to peel.
Hearn was indicted July 2, 2026 for $1,000 damage and pleaded not guilty.
President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum continued to blame vandals on Truth Social and X.

Summary

Burgum Blames Vandals

The motion released 695 MB of files that document rain delays, failed sealant tests, and overspray.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings’ contract increased to $14.7 million, pushing total renovation costs above $16 million.
A June 11 engineer warned that a one-to-two-foot strip of the thin top layer was already peeling.
Secretary Doug Burgum called the project a “big success” while blaming “radical left” vandals.

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DOJ Dismisses Hearn

The Justice Department dismissed the felony case against David Hearn on August 1, 2026, citing a botched installation.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro filed a motion naming Atlantic Industrial Coatings and a $14 million renovation for America 250 that caused the liner to peel.
Hearn was indicted July 2, 2026 for $1,000 damage and pleaded not guilty.
President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum continued to blame vandals on Truth Social and X.

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