Overview
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro asked a court last week to dismiss the felony case against David Hearn after Interior Department records and on‑site inspections showed the pool liner failed from a rushed, flawed contractor installation rather than deliberate vandalism.
- Hearn’s lawyers filed for dismissal with prejudice this week and say they will pursue civil remedies, bar complaints and reimbursement for legal costs if the court does not permanently close the case.
- President Trump has publicly attacked Pirro for withdrawing the charges, met with her at the White House, and told reporters he has not decided whether to remove her from the U.S. Attorney post.
- Preservation groups and court filings warn that repeated draining and repairs to the pool could destroy evidence, while scrutiny has turned to the fast‑tracked, largely no‑bid $13–16 million renovation and the contractor responsible for the liner work.
- The episode has sparked calls for congressional oversight and raised broader questions about how the Interior Department, project procurement and prosecutorial judgment interact when political pressure and high‑profile landmarks are involved.