President Donald Trump acknowledged Sunday that no video evidence or proof exists to support weeks of allegations that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was deliberately vandalized, admitting instead that damage resulted partly from contractor errors during rushed renovation work.

President Reverses Course on Vandalism Claims

Trump wrote on social media that there was “no video or proof” of the alleged sabotage he had claimed for weeks, while also stating “some contractor error done by rushing the job for a July 4th opening.” The president had ordered the pool resurfaced with what he called “American flag blue” coloring. Despite acknowledging the lack of evidence, Trump continued to accuse former Olympian David Hearn of intentional vandalism, even after prosecutors moved to dismiss the felony destruction of property charge against him.

The damage Trump described as “relatively inconsequsequential” affected what he called “a very small area of this massive Pool.” Security cameras are now being installed at the site, and contractors continue repair work. The pool remains closed to the public.

Case Against Former Olympian Collapses

The Justice Department moved to dismiss charges against Hearn in July after new evidence showed the section he allegedly damaged was already in disrepair before his arrival. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office acknowledged the damage “was the result of flawed installation by the contractor.” Hearn, who pleaded not guilty in July, has consistently maintained his innocence. His legal team provided photographic evidence proving the pool was damaged before Hearn touched it.

Hearn’s attorneys issued a statement Monday describing the continued allegations as “outrageous” and “continued harassment” of an innocent man. The lawyers said they are “reviewing all legal remedies” available to their client. Associate Judge Todd Edelman granted partial dismissal but delayed ruling on whether to dismiss the case with prejudice, which would prevent future charges.

Weeks of Unsubstantiated Claims

Since June, Trump insisted criminal vandals deliberately destroyed the pool. He told reporters on June 22 that he had pictures of someone “with a knife” hacking up the surface. When asked to share the photos, Trump said reporters would “see it in court,” but that evidence never materialized publicly. The president criticized Pirro after her office moved to dismiss the case against Hearn.

The controversy highlights tensions between Trump’s public statements and evidence presented in court proceedings. The Reflecting Pool renovation became a political flashpoint after the president ordered the color change, leading to the rushed construction schedule that ultimately caused the damage he attributed to sabotage.