{
  "id": 1344334,
  "title": "US Attorney General Blanche publicly backs Pirro after Trump criticism over Reflecting Pool",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/us-attorney-general-blanche-publicly-backs-pirro-after-trump",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T19:35:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/us-attorney-general-blanche-publicly-backs-pirro-after-trump-criticism-over-reflecting-pool-101786908911871.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed his support for top prosecutor Jeanine Pirro on Sunday, following criticism from President Donald Trump over her handling of a vandalism case at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Blanche made the remarks on NBC's Meet the Press program, stating he fully backs Pirro, as does the president.\n\nThe Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recently underwent a $14.7 million renovation, but shortly after completion, an algae bloom emerged and materials at the pool's base began to peel off. Federal authorities charged former Olympian David Hearn and others with vandalism. Pirro blamed the peeling issues on \"flawed work by a contractor\" and accused the Interior Department of providing incomplete information initially.\n\nPresident Trump later suggested Pirro had made a \"hasty decision\" to drop the case. Blanche acknowledged Trump's frustration over the matter but emphasized that a witness observed the vandalism. He argued that judging her solely based on this single case, given the evidence available at the time, was unfair.\n\nThe White House has requested the Justice Department to consider potential new charges related to the alleged vandalism at the newly renovated pool. Blanche praised Pirro for her diligent enforcement, saying she is doing a \"phenomenal job\" in going after anyone involved in the incident. Blanche, who was narrowly confirmed as Trump's attorney general earlier this month, refused to pledge that the Justice Department would operate independently of the White House, but vowed to act with integrity and prosecute without fear or favor.",
  "summary": "USA-TRUMP/PIRRO (PIX):US Attorney General Blanche publicly backs Pirro after Trump criticism over Reflecting Pool",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "US Attorney General Blanche defends colleague after Trump’s reflecting pool slam",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/us-attorney-general-blanche-defends-colleague-after-trumps-reflecting",
        "published": "2026-08-16T20:55:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}