US Attorney General Defends Prosecutor Amid Trump Criticism in Pool Vandalism Case

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly backed Jeanine Pirro, the top prosecutor in Washington D.C., on Sunday, following criticism from President Donald Trump regarding her management of a case involving alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

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I fully support the American prosecutor Pirro, and so does President Trump.

Trump had expressed frustration with Pirro's decision to drop charges against former U.S. Olympic participant David Hearn. Pirro had cited a contractor's "deficient" work and the Interior Department's incomplete information as reasons for the issues with the pool's renovation. The renovation, completed before the July 4th celebrations, cost approximately $14.7 million.

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It is something else than the question of whether we ultimately have the evidence. I do not think it is fair to judge her based on a single case because of the evidence we had.

Blanche, speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," stated he fully supports Pirro and that Trump also supports her. He acknowledged Trump's frustration, noting that an eyewitness had reported observing vandalism. However, Blanche emphasized that judging Pirro based on one case with the available evidence might not be fair.

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The American prosecutor Pirro is doing a fantastic job of enforcing it and going after anyone who does it (commits vandalism, ed.).

The White House has requested the Justice Department to investigate the possibility of filing new charges related to the alleged vandalism. Blanche affirmed that Pirro is doing a "fantastic job" in enforcing the law and pursuing those responsible. He also addressed questions about the Justice Department's independence from the White House, stating he would not promise complete independence but would act with integrity, prosecuting "without fear or favor."

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No, I will not promise that, but I will act with integrity and 'prosecute without fear or favor.'