{
  "id": 110827,
  "title": "‘Folded like an umbrella’: Trump attacks ally prosecutor over Reflecting Pool case",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/folded-like-an-umbrella-trump-attacks-ally-prosecutor-over-reflecting",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T01:18:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3362855/folded-umbrella-trump-attacks-ally-prosecutor-over-reflecting-pool-case"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Donald Trump harshly criticized US Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Monday for abandoning a case involving alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington. Trump alleged that the judge had \"choked\" under pressure and that Pirro had \"folded like an umbrella\". According to Trump, the case should have been continued as he had accused vandals of deliberately sabotaging the renovation project. Pirro's office argued in a court filing that the damage was caused by poor construction rather than vandalism. The renovation, which cost US$14.7 million, had been plagued by algae growth and peeling blue lining. Trump, who was facing criticism over the renovation, claimed surveillance footage showed people tampering with the newly installed waterproofing. He expressed disappointment in Pirro, a close political ally and the top federal prosecutor in Washington, for her actions. The White House and Pirro's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.",
  "summary": "US President Donald Trump criticised US Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping a case of alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington. Trump said Pirro had “choked” under pressure from a judge and “folded like an umbrella”.\n\nThe case involved former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool. Pirro moved to drop charges against him.\n\nAccording to The Hill, Pirro visited the White House Monday evening after Trump lashed out at her on camera hours earlier in the Oval Office.",
  "key_points": [
    "Trump criticized US Attorney Jeanine Pirro over Reflecting Pool case.",
    "Trump claimed Pirro \"folded like an umbrella\" under pressure.",
    "Case should have continued, Trump accused vandals of sabotage."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The spat between Trump and Pirro signals a rift between the president and a key ally, with Trump openly expressing disappointment in her handling of a case that reflected poorly on his administration.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "‘Violent and fatal attacks’: Democratic senator presses Trump, alleges civilian deaths in US strikes on drug boats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/violent-and-fatal-attacks-democratic-senator-presses-trump-alleges",
        "published": "2026-08-04T04:09:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hill",
        "title": "Reflecting Pool reversal brings scrutiny on cases, Pirro's job security",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/reflecting-pool-reversal-brings-scrutiny-on-cases-pirros-job-security",
        "published": "2026-08-04T21:41:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}