Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a prominent Fox News host and former New York prosecutor, as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. This decision follows the withdrawal of his original nominee after losing crucial Senate support needed for confirmation.
Pirro, 73, is known for her vocal support of Trump, particularly following his electoral defeat in 2020. She has been embroiled in controversy, making misleading claims about the election, which contributed to a significant lawsuit involving Fox News and a voting machine manufacturer. That case was resolved for a staggering $787 million.
Trump hailed Pirro as “a powerful crusader for victims of crime” in a post on Truth Social, but he did not clarify whether her role would transition to a permanent position, which would still require Senate approval. The announcement comes as Pirro replaces Ed Martin, the previous interim U.S. attorney, who faced challenges securing full Senate confirmation.
Martin, a conservative podcaster appointed by Trump in January, encountered opposition from key Senate Republicans, notably Thom Tillis from North Carolina, who voiced concerns over Martin’s handling of those involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Tillis expressed his “no tolerance” stance regarding anyone who breached the Capitol that day, indicating a fundamental difference in how lawmakers view the events and their aftermath.
During his tenure, Martin had been critical of the investigation into the Capitol riots, taking controversial steps such as dismissing prosecutors associated with the rioter cases. Despite being replaced, Martin will retain a role at the Justice Department as director of the new “weaponization working group,” focusing on investigations into officials examining Trump and his affiliates.
Pirro’s nomination signals the continuation of Trump’s influence in appointments reflecting his ongoing political battles and support for allies. Hers is a long-standing affiliation with Trump, showcased by his decision to grant a pardon to Pirro’s husband, who had a tax evasion conviction.
As the political landscape evolves, Pirro’s appointment could have significant ramifications not only for the Justice Department but also for ongoing investigations related to the Capitol events. Observers are watching closely to see how her tenure—though interim—will shape the direction of legal actions within the nation’s capital as it continues to navigate the complexities surrounding the January 6 incident and its implications.