In a significant political development, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a prominent Fox News host and former county prosecutor, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the nation’s capital. This decision comes after Trump withdrew his earlier nomination of conservative activist Ed Martin Jr. for the role. Pirro, who has been a fixture at Fox News since 2006, cohosts the popular show “The Five” during weekday evenings.
Jeanine Pirro’s legal career is marked by significant achievements. She was elected as a judge in New York’s Westchester County Court in 1990 and later served three terms as the county’s elected district attorney. Trump praised her qualifications in a post on Truth Social, stating, “Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York. She is in a class by herself.”
This appointment marks a strategic move for Trump, as Pirro will lead the largest U.S. Attorney’s office temporarily after Martin’s nomination was rescinded earlier that day. While Trump did not confirm whether he would nominate Pirro for the position permanently, her legal experience and reputation could make her a strong candidate.
The withdrawal of Ed Martin’s nomination was prompted by concerns from a key Republican senator regarding his controversial defense of the rioters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Trump explained, “He’s a terrific person, and he wasn’t getting the support from people that I thought,” signaling a shift in his administration’s approach to the U.S. Attorney position.
Martin’s association with Trump’s “Stop the Steal” movement had demoralized many within the prosecutorial community, particularly those who had worked tirelessly to prosecute over 1,500 riot defendants, only to see these individuals pardoned by Trump.
Interestingly, Jeanine Pirro also has ties to the conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 presidential election. In 2021, the voting technology firm Smartmatic USA filed a libel lawsuit against Fox News, Pirro, and others for allegedly spreading false claims that Smartmatic played a role in “stealing” the election from Trump. The lawsuit sought an astounding $2.7 billion in damages, highlighting the contentious political climate surrounding election integrity.
Fox News Media expressed its support for Pirro in her new role, with a spokesperson stating, “Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across Fox News Media who contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington.”
Ed Martin’s tenure as acting U.S. Attorney has been fraught with controversy. Since assuming office in January, he has faced criticism for his lack of prosecutorial experience, having never served as a prosecutor or tried a case prior to his appointment. His leadership has raised eyebrows, as he made headlines for firing and demoting subordinates involved in politically sensitive cases, along with posting about potential investigation targets on social media.
As Martin’s temporary appointment is set to expire on May 20, the legal community watches closely to see how Pirro will navigate the complexities of her new role. With a law degree from Albany Law School and extensive courtroom experience, including leading one of the nation’s first domestic violence units, Pirro is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge to the position.
Beyond her legal achievements, Jeanine Pirro is also known for her political aspirations. In 2005, she ran as a Republican to challenge then-Democratic Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton but later shifted her focus to a campaign for New York Attorney General, which she ultimately lost to Andrew Cuomo. Pirro gained national prominence as a legal analyst during high-profile trials, such as the O.J. Simpson case, and has frequently interviewed Trump during her tenure at Fox News.
As Pirro steps into her new role as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., her past experiences and connections to the Trump administration will undoubtedly shape her approach to this high-profile position.
