Story perspectives

Indictment Dropped as Interior Records Reveal Coating Failure

8/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro withdrew David Hearn’s indictment after evidence showed the coating had failed, despite his June 19 charge for pulling a coating piece.
Interior records of 695 MB from a July 17 drain inspection documented blistering and peeling, contradicting Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s claim that vandals caused the damage.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings applied the coating at about $14.7 million, while renovations exceeding $16 million surpassed the estimate provided by U.S. President Donald Trump.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro withdrew David Hearn’s indictment after evidence showed the coating had failed, despite his June 19 charge for pulling a coating piece.
Interior records of 695 MB from a July 17 drain inspection documented blistering and peeling, contradicting Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s claim that vandals caused the damage.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings applied the coating at about $14.7 million, while renovations exceeding $16 million surpassed the estimate provided by U.S. President Donald Trump.