Washington, D.C. — The naming of Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and longtime television personality, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has stirred significant attention in both legal and media circles.
The announcement was made by former President Donald Trump via his social media platform, where he praised Pirro’s extensive legal background and past achievements. Pirro, a former Westchester County district attorney and judge, has been a familiar face to many as a co-host on Fox News’ “The Five.” Trump described her as “uniquely qualified” and “one of New York’s sharpest legal minds.”
Fox News released a statement acknowledging Pirro’s departure and expressing gratitude for her 14 years with the network. “Jeanine has been an integral part of our programming, especially over the last three years on The Five. We wish her well as she takes on this important new chapter in Washington,” the network said.
Pirro’s appointment follows the stalled nomination of Ed Martin, whose confirmation process met resistance in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Opposition, particularly from Republican Senator Thom Tillis, centered around Martin’s stance on the events of January 6, 2021. Tillis expressed doubts about Martin’s ability to uphold accountability for those involved in the Capitol breach, stating, “Anyone who unlawfully entered the Capitol that day should be held responsible, regardless of motive.”
While Martin had raised legal concerns about certain prosecutions tied to January 6, Tillis noted that the D.C. role requires exceptional impartiality given the district’s central legal significance. Without sufficient backing, senior Democrat Senator Dick Durbin later confirmed that Martin’s nomination would not advance, citing a lack of a complete background check and committee vote.
Pirro’s sudden appointment took many by surprise, especially given the high-profile and politically sensitive nature of the role. The U.S. Attorney for D.C. oversees federal criminal cases, political investigations, and public corruption matters — making it one of the most scrutinized prosecutorial positions in the country.
While Pirro brings years of experience in law enforcement and high-stakes prosecutions, some critics are wary of her partisan media presence and vocal political opinions. Concerns have been raised about how her decisions might be perceived in such a politically charged environment.
Supporters, however, highlight her strong legal record and commitment to public safety. Before becoming a television personality, Pirro built her career on prosecuting serious criminal cases and advocating for victims, earning a reputation as a tough-on-crime prosecutor.
Her new role as interim U.S. Attorney does not require Senate confirmation, but any permanent appointment will still need to go through the full nomination and approval process.
For now, Pirro’s shift back into public service marks a significant move that will be closely watched by legal experts, political analysts, and the media alike.
