Story perspectives

Felony Vandalism Charge Dropped as $14.7M Reflecting Pool Renovation Flops

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. prosecutors dismissed the felony vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Interior Department documents showed a $14.7 million contract caused a rushed, botched liner that peeled and turned the water green.
The renovation cost nearly $14 million, far above the administration’s original $1.5-$1.8 million estimate.
President Donald Trump blamed vandals on Truth Social, a stance defended by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

History

Historical Context

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, renamed the Rainbow Pool in 1924, has long faced costly upgrades—its 1995 $5.5 million renovation exceeded the $1.2 million budget by 360 percent, prompting Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt’s oversight. A new $14 million liner, led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and attacked by President Trump, echoes past federal-contract disputes and the 2001 World War II Memorial controversy over pool placement.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. prosecutors dismissed the felony vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Interior Department documents showed a $14.7 million contract caused a rushed, botched liner that peeled and turned the water green.
The renovation cost nearly $14 million, far above the administration’s original $1.5-$1.8 million estimate.
President Donald Trump blamed vandals on Truth Social, a stance defended by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

1 / 2