Donald Trump just went after one of his closest allies in a move nobody saw coming. The president doubled down on his criticism of US attorney Jeanine Pirro after her office dismissed vandalism charges tied to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
Donald Trump again attacks Jeanine Pirro after DOJ dismissed vandalism charges tied to the Lincoln Memorial landmark
Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism of US attorney Jeanine Pirro over the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool case, according to The Guardian. Trump told NBC News on Thursday that Pirro “made a terrible mistake” by challenging his vandalism claims. He added, “I don’t understand why she did such a stupid thing.”
Pirro’s office filed a 20-page court document on Friday to dismiss vandalism charges against four people. The filing stated that damage to the concrete-bottomed pool resulted from a “botched” renovation. Her office concluded the damage was “not vandalism” but instead stemmed from flawed contractor work.
Trump had earlier accused Pirro of having “folded like an umbrella” after the justice department dismissed charges. Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn had faced a felony property destruction charge carrying up to 10 years. The 67-year-old had touched a chunk of the pool’s newly peeled coating and pleaded not guilty.
A reportedly heated Oval Office meeting took place on Monday between Trump, Pirro, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Pirro reportedly accused Burgum of misleading the president about the rushed no-bid contract renovation. Trump told reporters afterward he had not “made a determination” about whether Pirro would be ousted.
When asked Thursday about replacing Pirro, Trump responded, “I think she made a terrible decision.” He then added, “That doesn’t mean change.” The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Hearn’s lawyers said the case should never have been brought against their client. They argued the dismissal “does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American.” His attorney Steven Levin confirmed on Tuesday that “all options are on [the] table” for legal action. Seven people total faced charges connected to the $15m reflecting pool renovation.
