WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a well-known Fox News host and former New York prosecutor, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. This decision comes after he withdrew his earlier nomination of conservative activist Ed Martin Jr. for the role.
Pirro, who has been a prominent figure on Fox News since 2006 and co-hosts the network’s evening program “The Five,” brings extensive legal experience to the position. She served as a judge in Westchester County, New York, and held the role of district attorney for three terms, where she was recognized as one of the state’s leading prosecutors. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Pirro’s qualifications, stating that she is “incredibly well qualified for this position.”
Martin’s departure followed concerns from a key Republican senator about his support for individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection. Trump expressed disappointment over Martin’s lack of backing but highlighted his belief that Pirro would excel in the role. Before this appointment, Martin had acted as the U.S. Attorney since the beginning of Trump’s presidency but faced criticism regarding his handling of sensitive cases and his lack of prosecutorial experience.
Pirro’s selection comes amid a pattern of Trump tapping figures from Fox News for key government roles. In her new position, she will lead one of the country’s largest U.S. Attorney’s offices. Pirro has often been linked to controversial narratives surrounding election integrity, having faced legal scrutiny herself due to statements made during the 2020 election coverage. A libel suit from Smartmatic USA against Fox News and other defendants, including Pirro, accused them of spreading falsehoods about the company during that election cycle.
Her appointment has garnered mixed reactions. A spokesperson for Fox News highlighted Pirro’s contributions to the network and expressed well wishes for her new position. Meanwhile, Martin’s short tenure has left a trail of controversy, including personnel changes and public posts regarding ongoing investigations that drew criticism from both sides of the political aisle.
Graduating from Albany Law School in 1975, Pirro made headlines during her tenure as a prosecutor, establishing one of the first domestic violence units in the nation. Following her time in public office, she famously ran against Hillary Clinton for the Senate before shifting her focus toward a bid for New York attorney general, which she ultimately lost to Andrew Cuomo.
Beyond her legal career, Pirro became a fixture on television, gaining national attention during high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial. Her connection to former President Trump is notable; in the closing days of his administration, he granted a pardon to her ex-husband, who faced convictions for conspiracy and tax evasion.
Moving forward, Pirro’s immediate challenges as acting U.S. Attorney will include overseeing a jurisdiction that has been pivotal in prosecuting cases related to the January 6 Capitol riots, a complex task that will likely place her in the national spotlight.