Trump's water mirror: former Olympic athlete accused of vandalism pleads not guilty

Paint begins to peel off Lincoln Memorial water mirror days after renovation
Former Olympic kayaker David Hearn, 67, pleaded not guilty this Thursday (9) to the charge of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Water Mirror, in Washington.
The monument, which was under renovation, became a fixture for US President Donald Trump, who accused the athlete of sabotaging the renovation of the space.
The Republican promoted a series of renovations in the country's capital as part of the 4th of July celebrations, which marks the independence of the United States.
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Hearn is charged with destruction of public property, which could lead to up to ten years in prison. According to the Federal Prosecutor's Office, he had torn off part of the covering installed at the bottom of the water mirror during an incident that occurred on June 19.
The complaint states that the former athlete damaged an area of approximately 0.2 square meters, causing losses in excess of US$1,000 (equivalent to R$5,100). The accusation was filed this month by the federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, appointed by Trump for the position.
The water mirror, one of the main tourist attractions on the Esplanada Nacional, underwent a renovation that cost US$ 14.7 million (equivalent to R$ 75.3 million). At Trump's request, the fund received a blue coating, inspired by the colors of the United States flag, as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the country's independence.
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The work, however, quickly became the target of criticism. A few days after the inauguration, the water turned green due to algae blooms, while sections of the new coating began to peel off.
Trump attributed the problems to acts of sabotage of the renovations. The president stated that vandals threw chemicals into the water to cause the algae to appear and cut about 90 meters of the coating.
Hearn's defense claims that the government is trying to turn the case into a smokescreen to divert attention from the failures in the renovation. According to lawyers, the former athlete only touched a piece of the covering that was already partially loose while cycling through the region. He denies having removed any material from the site.
After the renovation, the Department of the Interior reported that at least six people were arrested on suspicion of vandalism in the area. The government also mobilized members of the National Guard and the Park Police to reinforce security at the monument, which remained closed during the celebrations of the 4th of July holiday.
Despite the measures, Trump stated that the reflecting pool will need to be emptied again to undergo further repairs.
Paint comes off the bottom of the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington D.C., in the United States, days after renovation ordered by President Donald Trump. Photo from June 18, 2026.
REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon

Source: G1