The Trump administration has indicted David Hearn, a former Olympic athlete, for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C., facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro accused Hearn of deliberately vandalizing the pool during a press conference on Thursday. Hearn, however, denies any wrongdoing, claiming he was merely inspecting the pool's peeling paint and blue-painted bottom, which has been criticized due to an algae bloom and paint peeling shortly after a $13.1 million renovation under President Trump's direction. Pirro alleged that Hearn forcefully removed a portion of the pool sealant, causing significant damage. Critics question the legitimacy of Trump's vandalism claims, suggesting the charges against Hearn may be disproportionately punitive and potentially influenced by Trump's public statements on the matter. A hearing in Hearn's case is scheduled for July 9, with preparations underway for the July 4 fireworks show at the Reflecting Pool, which remains fenced off to visitors due to the ongoing controversy surrounding its renovation.