President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. This announcement, made on May 8, 2025, comes after Trump withdrew his support for Ed Martin, the current interim U.S. attorney, who faced backlash from Senate Republicans regarding his past actions and associations.
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 the State of New York. She is in a class by herself." This appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for one of the country’s most critical U.S. attorney offices, which has jurisdiction over both local and federal crimes in the nation's capital.
Ed Martin's interim term is set to expire on May 20, 2025, and Trump's decision to replace him was influenced by concerns raised by Republican senators, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who cited Martin's connections to the January 6 Capitol riot and his defense of the rioters as reasons for his lack of support. Martin was a vocal supporter of Trump's "Stop the Steal" campaign, which falsely claimed that the 2020 election was stolen.
Pirro, 73, has a long history in law enforcement, having served as the district attorney for Westchester County, New York, and as a county judge. She has been a prominent figure on Fox News since 2006 and co-hosted the network's popular show "The Five" for the past three years. Her departure from the network is effective immediately, as is standard practice when a Fox News employee is appointed to a government position.
Trump's selection of Pirro reflects her unwavering loyalty to him, dating back to his 2016 presidential campaign. She has been a staunch defender of Trump's policies and actions throughout his presidency, often using her platform to amplify his messaging. Notably, Pirro has been involved in controversial discussions surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent Capitol riot. Just days before the January 6 insurrection, she compared the disruption of Congress' certification of the election results to the sacrifices made by soldiers during the American Revolutionary War, stating, "To many, Jan. 6 is such a moment. As we are all being told to shut up and move on, Jan. 6 will tell us whether there are any in Congress willing to battle for the America that those soldiers fought for, the one that you and I believe in."
Despite her earlier comments, Pirro later condemned the violence of January 6, calling it "deplorable, reprehensible, outright criminal." This duality highlights the complexity of her public persona and the challenges she may face in her new role.
The appointment of Pirro is not without controversy. She is currently a defendant in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit filed against Fox News by Smartmatic, a voting technology company. The lawsuit alleges that Pirro and other Fox News personalities disseminated false information regarding Smartmatic's role in the 2020 election. In 2023, Fox News settled a similar lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million, admitting that statements made by Pirro and others were false.
Trump's administration has seen an influx of Fox News personalities taking on significant roles, with Pirro being the latest addition to a growing list. Her appointment raises questions about the intertwining of media and governance, as well as the implications of appointing individuals with strong partisan ties to high-profile legal positions.
As Pirro steps into her new role, she will oversee an office that has been at the forefront of prosecuting cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot, among other high-profile investigations. The D.C. U.S. Attorney's office has unique authority to prosecute public corruption and national security cases, making it one of the most powerful offices in the federal system.
While Pirro's appointment is interim, it remains to be seen whether Trump will pursue a permanent nomination for her, which would require Senate confirmation. Given her high profile and the political dynamics at play, her confirmation could spark significant debate among lawmakers.
In the meantime, Pirro's departure from Fox News marks the end of a notable chapter in her career, as she leaves behind a platform that has significantly contributed to her public persona. Fox News expressed its well wishes for her new role, stating, "Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media who contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure."
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Pirro's appointment serves as a reminder of the ongoing connections between media, politics, and the legal system in the United States. Her tenure as interim U.S. attorney will undoubtedly be closely watched as she navigates the complexities of her new position amid a highly charged political environment.
