Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for D.C.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a prominent Fox News host and former prosecutor, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. This comes after he withdrew the nomination of Ed Martin Jr., his initial choice for the role.
Pirro, who has been with Fox News since 2006 and co-hosts the popular show "The Five," has a strong legal background. She was elected as a judge in New York’s Westchester County in 1990 and served three terms as the county’s district attorney.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Pirro, stating, "Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position and is considered one of the top district attorneys in the history of New York." While Trump did not confirm whether Pirro would be nominated for the position permanently, her appointment is seen as a strategic move.
Trump chose to step back from Martin’s nomination after a key Republican senator expressed concerns about Martin’s previous support for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Trump acknowledged this in remarks to reporters, indicating that he thought Martin was a good person but decided to go with someone else.
Pirro’s appointment comes amid growing Republican discontent over the handling of the January 6 cases and the administration’s response to election integrity. Although she is not without controversy herself—having been involved in the discussions around alleged election fraud—her experience in the courtroom is expected to provide fresh direction for the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Fox News expressed support for Pirro, highlighting her contributions over her 14 years at the network. Martin, who has faced criticism during his short time in the role, had never prosecuted a case before taking office and faced challenges from his team regarding his management style.
Pirro’s legal career includes creating one of the nation’s first domestic violence units, showcasing her commitment to justice and law enforcement. While she briefly entered politics in 2005 with a bid to unseat then-Senator Hillary Clinton, she later shifted her focus to other roles, becoming a well-known face on television.
As she steps into this new position, the focus will be on her ability to navigate the complexities of the nation’s capital, especially in light of recent events and controversies surrounding law enforcement and election integrity.
