Washington, D.C. — Jeanine Pirro Named Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. in Surprise Appointment by Trump
In a headline-making move that’s ignited debate across legal and media circles, former judge and Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro has been appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. The announcement came directly from former President Donald Trump via his social media platform, where he hailed Pirro as “incredibly well qualified” and “in a class by herself,” highlighting her storied legal career and national profile.
Pirro, widely recognized for her fiery commentary as a co-host on The Five, is no stranger to the courtroom. Before becoming a household name in cable news, she served as a judge and the district attorney for Westchester County, New York. Her appointment to one of the nation’s most high-profile prosecutorial roles has sparked intense discussion—both praise and scrutiny—about her ability to navigate Washington’s politically charged legal landscape.
Fox News confirmed Pirro’s departure and praised her 14-year tenure at the network. “Jeanine Pirro has been a cornerstone of our programming—from her dynamic presence on The Five to her years as a weekend host. We wish her nothing but success in her new role,” a network spokesperson said.
Pirro’s appointment follows the stalled confirmation of Ed Martin, whose nomination as interim U.S. Attorney faltered under Senate Judiciary Committee resistance. Chief among the concerns was Martin’s stance on the January 6 Capitol riot. Republican Senator Thom Tillis, while agreeing with some of Martin’s critiques regarding prosecutorial overreach, ultimately declined to support him.
“Anyone who unlawfully entered the Capitol should face consequences, regardless of their intentions,” Tillis said. “Given the sensitivity of this role—especially in D.C.—the standard for judgment and neutrality must be exceptionally high.”
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin later confirmed Martin’s nomination was effectively dead. Without a full committee vote or a completed background check, his appointment will expire in late May, with Pirro stepping in immediately to fill the gap.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia holds a uniquely powerful role—prosecuting a broad spectrum of federal crimes and overseeing cases often steeped in political significance. With Pirro now at the helm, her sharp legal instincts and unwavering stance on law and order will be put to the test in one of the most scrutinized offices in the country.
Though celebrated by her supporters for her decades of legal service and tough-on-crime reputation, Pirro’s critics raise concerns about her high-profile media presence and partisan commentary. Some argue that her long career in opinion journalism may blur the line between prosecutor and pundit, complicating public perception of her prosecutorial decisions.
Yet others contend that Pirro’s deep legal roots—dating back to her early days as an assistant district attorney—equip her with the expertise and grit needed for the role. Her defenders say she’s more than ready to step into the nation’s legal spotlight once again.
While the interim role bypasses Senate confirmation, any permanent appointment will still require formal vetting and approval. For now, Jeanine Pirro’s unexpected return to public service marks a dramatic new chapter—one that legal experts, political observers, and media figures alike will be watching with close attention.
