Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News host and former prosecutor, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. This decision comes after significant resistance from Republican senators hindered Trump’s initial nominee, Ed Martin.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed enthusiasm for Pirro’s appointment, highlighting her achievements as a pioneer for women in various legal roles. He described her as “a powerful crusader for victims of crime” and praised her decade-long tenure hosting “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” as well as her current position co-hosting the popular show “The Five.”
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina quickly endorsed Pirro, calling her choice a positive development for the role. As a longtime ally of Trump, Pirro has maintained a close relationship with him, regularly appearing at his Mar-a-Lago estate even before his presidency.
While Pirro did not appear on “The Five” Thursday, Fox News anchor Bret Baier confirmed her departure from the network for her new role, wishing her success in her new position. Pirro’s support for Trump has been a defining factor in her public career, where she has often defended the former president and criticized his adversaries.
During Trump’s final days in office, Pirro played a notable role in securing a pardon for her ex-husband, culminating in what became Trump’s last official act. The close affiliations between Pirro and Trump are expected to influence her approach in the new position, particularly in the politically charged environment of Washington.
Trump’s announcement follows his earlier decision to withdraw Martin’s nomination due to a lack of support among key Republican senators. The president remarked on the situational challenges faced by Martin, noting that he would appoint someone new to the post. Martin will still find a role within the Department of Justice, although specifics remain unclear.
Martin’s nomination had faced increasing scrutiny as Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee raised concerns. His previous controversial remarks and his associations with far-right media had been particularly alarming for some GOP members. Tillis, a pivotal swing vote within the party, conveyed doubts about Martin’s ability to garner support, leading to the withdrawal.
Despite the setbacks, the White House had initially supported Martin, emphasizing his close relationship with Trump. Nevertheless, given the mounting obstacles against his confirmation, Martin’s departure from the nomination process has allowed for a swift shift to Pirro, whose established rapport with the president may be advantageous in her new role.
As the new interim U.S. Attorney, Pirro will navigate a politically charged landscape, facing ongoing scrutiny and challenges associated with the capital’s complex legal environment. The ramifications of her appointment will likely extend beyond initial expectations as she steps into a role that intersects with crucial ongoing investigations and political discourse.