Fox News provided notably sparse coverage of President Donald Trump criticizing the network's former star host Jeanine Pirro during an Oval Office press conference. Pirro currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and previously hosted "Justice with Judge Jeanine" and was a co-host on "The Five" at Fox News.
Trump appointed Pirro to her current role last year. Her tenure has faced scrutiny for alleged failures to prosecute the president's political opponents. Specifically, prosecutors under her watch were unable to indict former Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell for alleged wasteful spending, nor six Democratic lawmakers who shared a video reminding military personnel of their obligation to refuse illegal orders. Additionally, her office did not secure indictments against New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged bank fraud and false statements regarding a property purchase.
Most recently, Pirro's office moved to dismiss charges against 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who had been accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. The dismissal came after investigations determined that damage to the pool was the result of a "flawed installation by the contractor" and "the rush to complete the project" before an anniversary celebration. A court filing stated it was "difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt."
Despite the findings, Trump expressed his displeasure during a press conference, stating, "I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro... She folded like an umbrella. And people get away with things, and it’s a disgrace." He maintained, without evidence, that vandalism had occurred.
While Fox News aired the press conference live, the network did not immediately replay Trump's critical comments about Pirro, unlike CNN and MSNBC. Anchors Sandra Smith and John Roberts segued to discussions on Iran and transgender athletes before returning to the press conference topics.
Approximately three hours and 20 minutes after the press conference concluded, Fox News briefly addressed Trump's remarks. During "Special Report with Bret Baier," correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reported on Trump's comments, stating, "He sure did, Trace. Today in the Oval Office, President Trump said Jeanine Pirro 'folded like an umbrella' after she dropped charges against three individuals with connections to the vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including former Olympic canoeist David Hearn." The report included a clip of Trump saying Pirro "choked" and that a judge was "extremely unfriendly." Tomlinson noted that Pirro's office cited "a botched installation" rather than vandalism.
This was the only coverage of Trump's criticism of Pirro for the remainder of the day. Hearn, who had pleaded not guilty to property destruction, had faced a maximum sentence of 10 years if convicted. His case was dismissed before his scheduled trial. Hearn maintained his innocence, telling the Daily Mail that his arrest and the charges were a "farce intended to boost a false narrative." He admitted to touching a "loose flap of coating" out of curiosity but denied causing any damage.
The $16 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool, championed by Trump, was completed on June 6. However, algae blooms and peeling paint appeared less than two weeks later, prompting Trump to acknowledge the pool might need draining for repairs. Hearn suggested the Trump administration sought a "news story that they could promote that was centered around vandals damaging the reflecting pool."