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Justice Dept. Dismisses Case Against Contractor Over Lincoln Pool Damage

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case against contractor David Hearn, saying damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted from his rushed work before the America 250 celebration on Independence Day 2026.
Defense lawyers claimed the prosecution was politically motivated and lacked factual support.
Senators Ted Cruz and Thom Tillis said U.S. President Donald Trump was receiving “bad advice” after the Justice Department ended the April investigation with no evidence.

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Story summary

The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case against contractor David Hearn, saying damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted from his rushed work before the America 250 celebration on Independence Day 2026.
Defense lawyers claimed the prosecution was politically motivated and lacked factual support.
Senators Ted Cruz and Thom Tillis said U.S. President Donald Trump was receiving “bad advice” after the Justice Department ended the April investigation with no evidence.