Trump condemns DOJ decision to drop Reflecting Pool charges

Washington — President Joe Biden on Thursday rebuked a statement from a federal prosecutor who characterized recent damage to a historic federal building as the result of a “botched” installation rather than vandalism. The prosecutor, speaking on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, said preliminary findings indicated that the structural harm occurred during the placement of a temporary exhibit, and that no criminal intent could be established at this stage.

The controversy stems from the March 2024 incident at the Capitol Visitor Center, where a large multimedia display was installed for a commemorative event. Shortly after the exhibit was erected, sections of the ceiling and adjacent walls showed signs of stress and cracking, prompting an immediate shutdown and a federal investigation. While the prosecutor’s office emphasized technical errors in the installation process, the White House maintained that the damage was consistent with acts of vandalism, citing eyewitness accounts and security footage that appeared to show unauthorized individuals near the site during the disruption. Both the Justice Department and the National Park Service have pledged a full review, and the White House urged a swift resolution to protect federal property.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over accountability for damage to public landmarks. Officials from the Department of Justice have indicated that the investigation will continue to determine whether criminal charges are warranted, while the administration has signaled that any findings of intentional wrongdoing will be pursued vigorously. A final report is expected later this year.