On the eve of President Trump's inauguration, notable Fox News star Jeanine Pirro made headlines as she stood on stage at a celebratory party, flanked by Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.. During the event, a Trump official raised Pirro’s arm and announced to the crowd, “Very soon, we have a big announcement for another big hire!” However, Pirro quickly mouthed “No, no,” and later released a statement through Fox News clarifying that she would not be joining the administration, despite her efforts to rally Trump's supporters at the gathering.
Just a few days later, President Trump publicly announced his decision to appoint Jeanine Pirro as the acting U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., effectively replacing Ed Martin, whose Senate confirmation faced challenges from both Republican and Democratic senators. In his announcement, Trump highlighted Pirro's successful tenure at Fox News, stating that The Five, a show she co-hosted, is among the highest rated shows on television. This appointment marks Pirro as the 23rd Fox News personality to ascend to a high-ranking position in the Trump administration, according to the liberal watchdog group Media Matters.
The connection between Fox News and the Trump administration has raised eyebrows, with many noting the unprecedented influx of Fox personalities into key governmental roles. As Trump's second administration progresses, it has become evident that there are more individuals with Fox News backgrounds than there were during his entire first term. For instance, a former Fox News host now holds the position of director of national intelligence, while others have ascended to significant roles such as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and deputy director of the FBI.
Among the prominent figures linked to Fox News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stand out. Both men, who met their wives while working at the network, have drawn media attention for their close ties to Fox. In a recent incident following a tragic military helicopter crash, Duffy publicly criticized the Defense Department for a lack of communication, making his comments on—where else—Fox News. This dynamic has raised questions about the overlap between media and politics in the current administration.
Before her rise as a television personality, Jeanine Pirro served as a county judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York. However, she has not held public office for nearly two decades. Her longstanding relationship with Trump dates back to their early careers in New York, including his financial support during her unsuccessful 2006 campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate against then-incumbent Democrat Hillary Clinton.
After transitioning from law to media, Pirro hosted a nationally syndicated courtroom reality show before being appointed by former Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes to host her own weekend program in 2011. Known for her tough stance on crime, Pirro’s commentary evolved into broader political discourse, especially during Trump’s first term, where she openly supported him during his impeachment trials and called for the jailing of certain FBI and Justice Department officials.
Throughout her career at Fox, Pirro has faced various controversies. In 2019, she was suspended by the network for suggesting that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar should be investigated for her hijab, which she claimed indicated adherence to sharia law. Following the 2020 presidential election, Pirro amplified conspiracy theories regarding election fraud, leading to her weekend show being pulled from the air. Her involvement in these controversies culminated in a defamation lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which resulted in a staggering $787.5 million settlement just before a jury trial.
In the wake of the 2020 election, Pirro played a significant role in shaping narratives around the January 6 insurrection. On January 3, 2021, she compared the protesters at the U.S. Capitol to American soldiers during the Revolutionary War, suggesting that this day would determine if Congress would stand up for America. Following Trump's speech, the Capitol was stormed, resulting in over 1,500 prosecutions for various crimes associated with the riot. Despite these events, Pirro has maintained a prominent voice in political discourse, continuing to align herself closely with Trump and his administration.
As the Trump administration evolves, the influence of Fox News personalities like Jeanine Pirro remains a focal point of discussion, highlighting the intricate ties between media and politics in contemporary governance.
