Category: Petty

Trump Attacks Pirro Over Reflecting Pool Dismissal

President Trump attacked U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro on Saturday after she dismissed criminal charges against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who had been accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump posted on Truth Social that he disagreed “100%” with Pirro’s decision, insisting the damage constituted “pure case of VANDALISM” and sharing videos claiming to show deliberate destruction with knives and box cutters.

Pirro’s office dropped the case Friday, filing court documents stating that damage to the Reflecting Pool resulted from “flawed installation” by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings rather than intentional destruction. The dismissal revealed that new information emerged after Hearn was indicted on a felony count of destruction of government property, indicating the contractor rushed completion ahead of America 250 Independence Day events in 2026.

The Washington Post had previously reported that experts determined the pool lining peeled away due to incorrect installation, not vandalism. Pirro acknowledged in court filings that the government’s original theory of the case was undermined by documentation the Department of Interior provided only after the indictment was returned, contradicting Trump’s characterization of the incident.

CNN legal analyst Elie Honig characterized the dismissal as “a true embarrassment” for Pirro, stating that prosecutors bear responsibility for obtaining relevant information before charging rather than “charge first and then figure it out.” Trump’s public attack on his own appointed U.S. Attorney demonstrates his willingness to undermine prosecutors when outcomes displease him, consistent with his pattern of defying judicial authority and pressuring officials to align with his preferences.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-lashes-out-at-jeannine-pirro-over-reflecting-pool-case-disagree-100/)

Trump Attacks Collins, Media at Correspondents Dinner

President Donald Trump delivered a rambling hour-long speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday, attacking journalists and media outlets while making crude jokes that largely fell flat with the assembled press corps. Trump complained openly about the “frickin’ stupid speech” written for him after a sex joke about stairs failed to generate laughs, then spent much of his time assaulting members of the media he claimed to respect.

Trump directed his harshest attacks at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, repeating his demand that she smile more while covering him, continuing his documented pattern of singling out female journalists with sexist remarks. CNN CEO Mark Thompson responded by defending the network’s journalists and reaffirming their constitutional right to report without government interference. Trump also branded CNN’s Jake Tapper “Fake Tapper” and called Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey “unhireable,” while mocking the network’s coverage of the Trump-Epstein saga that prompted him to file an unsuccessful $10 billion defamation suit.

Trump devoted a lengthy, humor-free section of his speech to defending his controversial $600 million White House ballroom project, complaining that opponents motivated by “Trump derangement syndrome” were suing to block it. He also joked that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wanted to serve roadkill at the dinner, and mocked President Joe Biden’s mental fitness while claiming NBC and ABC should lose their broadcast licenses for not airing his recent primetime address about alleged foreign election interference.

Trump concluded by donning a 2028 campaign hat and stating he wanted to run for another term, which the Constitution prohibits. His speech demonstrated the Trump administration’s consistent hostility toward press freedom: the White House recently withdrew demands that New York Times journalists testify about sources, the Pentagon has systematically denied media access to defense officials, and Trump has filed repeated defamation suits against news outlets covering him unfavorably.

Critics condemned the speech as demonstrating Trump’s contempt for the independent press. Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta called the dinner “a disgrace,” describing Trump’s address as “rambling, unhinged speech is full of hate and spite” targeting his usual adversaries. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang and other speakers at the event highlighted Trump’s documented efforts to intimidate and sideline journalists throughout his time in office.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner-jokes-b3021335.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcATRmoZwZG9mBWZkaWQWULMQihHnyqTMCaGolZV_P33h_tkIl2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5dmA1iAOXG4ce9HsFoFF6EFz2dZ8FzuYuWP-gWoN_vildp7260a4lO81jaVA_aem_nS-QMLsOG59UP2V3IzKcdA)ideline journalists throughout his time in office.

Trump Attacks LeBron James as Racist in White House Press Conference

During a Friday White House press conference, Trump responded to Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy’s question about the greatest basketball player of all time by attacking LeBron James. When asked to choose between James and Michael Jordan, Trump declared Jordan the winner while accusing James of being “maybe he’s a racist” and stating he “only like[s] people that like me,” a transparent attempt to justify his hostility toward the athlete for his political opposition.

Trump’s animosity toward James spans years of deliberate targeting. James campaigned for Hillary Clinton in 2016, branded Trump a “bum” in 2017, and previously faced Trump attacks over an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon about opening a free school for at-risk students in his hometown. James also opposed Trump’s criticism of players kneeling during the National Anthem and endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024, further cementing Trump’s vendetta against him.

Trump’s baseless accusation of racism against James, combined with his explicit preference for people who support him, demonstrates his use of character attacks to punish political opponents and reward loyalty. The president weaponized his platform to demean James for exercising free speech and civic engagement, behavior consistent with his pattern of dehumanizing rhetoric toward Black figures who criticize him or refuse his approval.

James’ accomplishments include four NBA titles and four MVP awards across a 23-season career with multiple teams, while Jordan won six titles and five MVPs during his era. Trump’s insistence on framing the comparison through political loyalty rather than athletic merit underscores his willingness to corrupt public discourse with personal grievance.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/sports/trump-attacks-lebron-james-in-oval-office-rant-maybe-hes-a-racist/)

Trump Attacks Haberman, Swan, Demands Media Worship Him

President Trump launched a lengthy Truth Social attack against journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, authors of the book “Regime Change,” which documents his second administration. Trump called Haberman “one of the most unattractive people in the News Business” and Swan a “lightweight assistant,” demanding media outlets instead declare him the “BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and cease critical coverage. The attack reflects Trump’s pattern of weaponizing his platform against journalists documenting his presidency.

In his post, Trump falsely claimed he won the 2024 election by a “historic landslide” against both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, citing county and Electoral College numbers while attacking the “Failing New York Times” and other outlets for their coverage. He demanded media outlets acknowledge his electoral victory and abandon what he characterized as a decade of inaccurate reporting, stating they should concede defeat rather than continue scrutinizing his administration. Trump’s claims about election outcomes contradict documented results and reflect his documented pattern of denying electoral losses.

Trump extended his assault to multiple news organizations, including CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and NBC, characterizing them collectively as “FAKE NEWS” with no credibility. He claimed these outlets’ “Readership, Ratings, and Viewership are tanking” because the public recognizes their alleged dishonesty, and he demanded they stop publishing what he termed “inaccurate, false articles.” This attack on press freedom aligns with his documented pattern of demanding treason charges against media outlets for unfavorable coverage.

The tirade reveals Trump’s authoritarian demand for uncritical media coverage and absolute loyalty from institutions meant to maintain independence. His insistence that journalists declare him victorious and cease reporting reflects an expectation of state-controlled media rather than a free press operating in a democracy. This pattern mirrors his cultivation of unquestioning loyalty from close aides, extending the demand for total deference to the media landscape.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-slams-lightweight-jonathan-swan-as-he-declares-himself-best-political-athlete-of-all-time/)

Trump Demands Praise in Maggie Haberman Tirade

President Trump posted an extended tirade on Truth Social attacking journalist Maggie Haberman for her forthcoming book “Regime Change,” co-written with New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan, which documents his second administration. The book details scenes of Trump supergluing gold Fabergés in the Oval Office, cabinet members discussing the Epstein files, and a White House bedroom scattered with fast food wrappers, among other unflattering portrayals.

Trump demanded the book include effusive praise that never materialized, complaining in all-caps that Haberman failed to write passages acknowledging his victory or apologizing for prior criticism. He demanded language such as “TRUMP IS THE BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and “CONGRATULATIONS, MR. PRESIDENT. YOU HAVE BEATEN US FOR 10 YEARS,” framing his expectation that media outlets capitulate to his narrative as a baseline journalistic duty.

In his post, Trump attacked Haberman personally, calling her “Maggot Hagerman,” and branded the New York Times “The Failing New York Times.” He also used the post to attack Democrats broadly, labeling them “Dumocrats” who “are, generally, stupid people” and baselessly accusing them of planning a transition to communism as the 2026 midterms approach. This follows a pattern of Trump demanding absolute verbal alignment from officials, expecting staff and media alike to repeat his exact phrasing without deviation.

The outburst reflects Trump’s documented obsession with controlling his public image and punishing journalists who document his conduct without flattery. Trump surrounds himself with enablers who provide constant positive reinforcement, and his anger at Haberman’s independent reporting underscores his intolerance for any account that does not present him as infallible or triumphant.



(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-maggie-haberman-truth-social/)

Trump Attacks Meloni Over Iran War Refusal, Invents Photo Claim

President Donald Trump escalated his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday, attacking her in a Truth Social post without naming her directly while simultaneously condemning NATO for failing to support his Iran military campaign. Trump claimed he had denied Meloni a photograph at the Group of Seven summit in France because Italy would not permit U.S. military use of its landing strips and runways, and added that Meloni sought to “be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.'”

Meloni directly rejected Trump’s characterization of events, calling his attacks “unprovoked” and “senseless.” She stated that her popularity rests on defending Italy’s national interests and that her country remains a sovereign nation whose military base agreements cannot be violated. Meloni emphasized that Trump’s attempts to control her political standing are not her concern, and countered by suggesting he focus on his own popularity instead.

Trump’s repeated false claims about Meloni begging for a photograph represent a continuation of his pattern of fabricating details to demean allied leaders. His invocation of Italy’s refusal to support military action against Iran contradicts his earlier demands that NATO members fund defense spending, revealing inconsistency in how he applies pressure to allied nations.

The deterioration of Trump’s relationship with Meloni marks a significant rupture with what was previously one of his closest European political relationships. Trump had publicly praised Meloni as a “beautiful young woman” during a speech last year, framing the comment as politically risky but worth the exposure. Trump has threatened withdrawal of U.S. troops from Italy and Spain, citing both nations’ refusal to participate in military action against Iran.

Trump’s broader assault on NATO reflects his demand that allied nations comply with military objectives he deems necessary, regardless of their own strategic assessments or international law. The feud with Meloni demonstrates his willingness to weaponize military presence and personal relationships as leverage against leaders who assert their nation’s sovereignty and independent judgment.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/not-good-trump-ramps-up-feud-with-italys-prime-minister-in-scorching-new-post/)

Trump Drops Pair of Bonkers Fan Polls on ICE and ‘Dumocrats’

President Donald Trump posted two fan polls on Truth Social on Saturday while his administration’s Iran agreement deteriorated, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz in protest of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had arrived in Switzerland for ongoing Iran negotiations, yet Trump diverted attention to trivial social media exercises rather than managing the diplomatic crisis.

Trump’s first poll asked followers to choose between spelling “Dumocrat” or “Dumbocrat” as an insult directed at Democrats, framing the decision as a matter of “very important” strategic communication. His lengthy caption explained the technical differences between the two spellings, consuming presidential attention on a nomenclature preference while international negotiations faltered.

The second poll proposed renaming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to “NICE” by adding the letter “N” for “National,” claiming this would “totally discombobulate” journalists and media outlets. Trump asserted ICE agents are “Great Patriots” and described the rebrand as a “much more prestigious name,” though he acknowledged that actual ICE agents themselves opposed the change, according to information relayed by Tom Homan.

Trump’s focus on recreational polling and rhetorical games with nomenclature directly coincided with Iran State media announcing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while CENTCOM issued a contradictory statement claiming the waterway remained open for merchant traffic. The simultaneous deterioration of Trump’s signature foreign policy achievement and his public fixation on trivial wordplay demonstrated the administration’s inability to maintain coherent diplomatic or strategic attention.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-drops-pair-of-bonkers-fan-polls-on-ice-and-dumocrats-as-iran-agreement-falls-apart/)strategic attention.

Trump Blames Vandalism for Reflecting Pool Algae

President Trump blamed “vandalism” and ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, claiming unknown actors used chemicals to harm the newly installed surface after the $13.1 million renovation project deteriorated within days of completion. Trump alleged Karl was “sticking his hand into the Pool” and “trying to rip the rubber off of the surface,” while asserting the algae bloom affecting the pool—which was supposed to display “American flag blue” water—is “75 percent gone” and will be repaired by early the following week. Law enforcement is investigating the alleged damage as the project, which Trump self-congratulated for completing in one month instead of the originally projected timeline, continues to face persistent algae growth and visible surface deterioration.

Trump used a lengthy Truth Social post to tout his administration’s work “cleaning, renovated, and beautified” dozens of sites across Washington, D.C., while claiming the pool damage stemmed from “real problems with vandalism” rather than acknowledging the project’s structural or maintenance failures. The president framed the algae bloom and peeling material as external sabotage, deflecting from questions about why the multimillion-dollar renovation produced substandard results immediately after completion. Trump stated that damage is “limited” and law enforcement is investigating the alleged vandalism.

Former George W. Bush adviser Scott Jennings defended Trump’s vandalism claims during a CNN appearance, stating it is “absolutely true” that someone vandalized the grass surrounding the pool. Jennings characterized Trump’s critics as “broken brained” for allegedly vandalizing national monuments out of hatred for the president, and expressed hope that perpetrators would face jail time. Jennings praised Trump’s efforts to clean up the nation’s capital, endorsing the president’s framing of the pool’s problems as deliberate destruction rather than project defects.

Trump previously promoted the Lincoln pool renovation at an Oval Office event focused on executive orders, characterizing the historic structure—which has operated since 1922 and required only routine maintenance until his administration’s intervention—as “filthy” and “dirty” to justify the expensive overhaul. The project’s rapid deterioration and persistent algae bloom have drawn public scrutiny, yet Trump continues to attribute visible problems to external sabotage and media interference rather than project execution.



(Source: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-reflecting-pool-algae-vandalism-peeling-floor-12098491)

Trump Invents False G7 Photo Claim to Attack Ally Meloni

President Donald Trump escalated his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by repeating and expanding false claims about her conduct at the Group of Seven summit in France. Trump initially claimed Meloni “begged” him to take a photograph together, stating he “felt sorry for her,” before later telling NBC News she “was a big fan” but was unhelpful regarding the Strait of Hormuz and NATO commitments.

Meloni directly refuted Trump’s fabricated account in a social media video, declaring “Neither I nor Italy ever beg” and calling his statements “completely made up.” She expressed astonishment at Trump’s behavior toward an ally, noting this was not the first instance of such conduct and contrasting it with his lenient treatment of adversarial leaders, as she had previously done when rejecting his fabrications about the G7 encounter.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Trump’s remarks as serious and offensive to all of Italy, announcing he would cancel his scheduled U.S. visit for June 21 and 22 in response. The diplomatic breach underscored the damage Trump’s unfounded accusations inflicted on U.S.-Italian relations and NATO cohesion.

The conflict reflects a broader pattern in Trump’s approach to allies. Earlier this year, Meloni criticized Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV as unacceptable, prompting Trump to retaliate by claiming he was “shocked by her” and that he had been wrong about her courage, demonstrating his tendency to turn on supporters who fail to align with him completely.

Trump’s false narrative about Meloni at the G7 summit exemplifies his pattern of inventing interactions to demean political figures. His claims lacked credible basis yet were deployed to undermine a key European partner, revealing how he weaponizes unsubstantiated stories to manage personal grievances regardless of diplomatic consequences.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-meloni-feud-iran-g7-b2999448.html)

‘Some homework to do’: Trump appointees vote to address gaps in arch plan in heated meeting – ABC News

Trump’s National Capital Planning Commission, stacked with his appointees, voted Thursday to conditionally advance a 250-foot “triumphal arch” project near Arlington National Cemetery, but only after staff identified significant gaps requiring the administration to provide additional details before final approval. Commission Chair Will Scharf, Trump’s White House staff secretary, acknowledged the project team has “homework to do,” requesting more renderings and technical information on lighting, stormwater management, materials, and height justification under the Height of Buildings Act. Despite Trump immediately claiming approval on social media, Scharf clarified the vote was not final and will return for further review.

The commission received 1,696 public comments before the hearing, nearly all opposing the project as a vanity structure inconsistent with American values. Veterans including Gary Langston and Marine Jimi Shaughnessy testified that the arch would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery and cast literal and figurative shadows over sacred ground where their families rest. Langston warned the design contains “elements that I fear won’t stand the test of time,” while Shaughnessy called the 250-foot structure “a profound disruption and insult at the entrance to sacred ground” and “a momentous symbol of selfishness.”

Commission staff, though outnumbered by Trump loyalists, raised critical unresolved issues including pedestrian safety, potential interference with Reagan National Airport flight paths, and obstruction of cemetery views. Jamie Herr, the commission’s urban planner, stated the submission lacks essential information and noted the administration must provide “necessary elements for the commission to review as the design advances.” Jessica Bowron, representing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, supported the staff recommendations and pledged to provide the requested additional information.

The vote to accept staff concerns passed 9-1, with only Evan Cash, representing D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, voting no on grounds that the administration cannot answer the “fundamental question about why this project belongs in this place.” Cash’s dissent highlighted the threshold issue: whether Trump’s triumphal arch near Arlington serves any purpose beyond personal aggrandizement, part of a broader pattern of Trump spending millions to gild and renovate Washington monuments while bypassing normal oversight processes.(Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/homework-trump-appointees-vote-address-gaps-arch-plan/story?id=133600719)

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