The United States Attorney General, Todd Blanche, has publicly defended the federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., Janine Piro. Piro had previously decided not to proceed with the prosecution of a federal sabotage case involving a reflection in front of the Lincoln Memorial Hall, an approach that had provoked President Trump ' s dissatisfaction.
Blanche was sworn in as Minister of Justice last week. In an interview with NBC, he stated that Piro should not be denied as a single case and that the outside world should judge in the light of the evidence. He also claims that Piro ' s office is still pursuing other cases involving damage to national memorial facilities.
Trump publicly expressed his dissatisfaction.
The focus of the controversy was on the reason for the damage to the mirror. The Piro office had previously stated in the Tribunal ' s documents that the damage to the pool coated was mainly related to a construction error and not simply caused by a breach. Trump, for its part, repeatedly attributed responsibility to the spoiler, without providing evidence.
Blanche stated that the President was “very frustrated” with the outcome of the case, without prejudice to his support for Piro. He stated that Trump likewise supported Piro ' s continued appointment to the post.
Is it independent of the White House?
In the interview, Blanche was asked whether he had promised that the Ministry of Justice would remain independent of the White House. Instead of making a clear commitment, he stated that he could not pre-commit himself against the policy objectives set by the President.
At the same time, however, Blanche states that the Ministry of Justice and the federal prosecutor “will act in good faith” and “will not fear pressure or favour either side” in their decision not to prosecute or prosecute. This statement raises further concerns about the traditional independence of the Ministry of Justice. In accordance with long-standing United States practice, the White House does not normally intervene directly in specific prosecution decisions.
Blanche said he'd consider the president's opinion.
With regard to the possibility of re-opening the reflection pool case, Blanche indicated that if Trump were to push for a re-opening of the case, he would certainly take into account the President ' s views. He added, however, that the President did not expect his subordinates to comply unconditionally with all demands.
Blanche also tried to shift the focus of the discussion to other cases. He mentioned that Piro was actively working on the case of damage to the national memorial facility in the capital. Just last week, the Piro office indicted a woman from Kentucky for painting a World War II monument in the National Square.
This wave shows that there is a continuing tension within the Trump administration between the handling of specific cases, the attitude of the President and the judgement of the judiciary.