Trump Pressures Justice Department to Recharge David Hearn

White House officials have requested that the United States Department of Justice consider bringing new criminal charges against Donald Trump's target, former Olympian David Hearn. Hearn was previously accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, but U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro recently dropped a felony indictment after determining that a botched renovation caused the damage rather than intentional vandalism.

The request for new charges follows public criticism from the president, who suggested Pirro "should revisit her hastily made decision." While the felony case was dismissed, Justice Department officials are now holding preliminary discussions to determine if a misdemeanor case is legally viable. The department stated it "follows the evidence when determining if crimes have been committed."

Defense attorney Norm Eisen denounced the potential for new charges, stating it "would mark a shocking first" by attempting to revive a case the government previously admitted lacked sufficient evidence for conviction. A court hearing is scheduled for next month to decide if the original dismissal should be with prejudice, which would permanently bar the government from recharging Hearn for the same conduct.