Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host and former New York prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., following his decision to withdraw support for the full nomination of Ed Martin. This announcement came on May 8, 2025, after Trump expressed disappointment over Martin's inability to secure enough backing from Republican senators.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed Pirro's qualifications, 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." The president praised her tenure as Westchester County District Attorney, highlighting her establishment of the first domestic violence unit in a prosecutor's office and calling her a "powerful crusader for victims of crime."
Fox News Media also expressed support for Pirro, with a spokesperson 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. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington."
Pirro, who co-hosts The Five, did not appear on the show on the day of the announcement, raising speculation about her future at the network. Current staffers noted that she had previously expressed disappointment at not being selected for earlier roles in Trump's administration, as she has been a loyal supporter of the former president since his 2016 campaign.
While Pirro's appointment was met with enthusiasm from Trump and his supporters, it also drew skepticism from some former Fox News staffers. One former producer described the situation as "a god-d*mned joke," questioning why so many network personalities were leaving for government positions instead of remaining at Fox. Another staffer remarked, "Grifting is the easiest job in the world, and being DC attorney or Def Sec is actually hard!"
Pirro has long been a prominent figure on Fox News, known for her staunch defense of Trump and controversial statements regarding immigration and the legal system. In a segment earlier this year, she stated, "The only due process I believe in is the legal way to enter this country," showing her hardline stance on immigration issues.
Trump's decision to withdraw Martin's nomination came just days after key Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina declared he could not support Martin due to his defense of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Martin had been criticized for his aggressive rhetoric and threats to prosecute political opponents, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Despite the setbacks, Trump indicated that he still values Martin's contributions and plans to assign him to a new role within the Justice Department as the Director of the Weaponization Working Group, Associate Deputy Attorney General, and Pardon Attorney. Trump stated, "Ed Martin has done an AMAZING job as interim U.S. Attorney and will be moving to the Department of Justice."
Pirro's past has not been without controversy. During her time at Fox, she was involved in the network's legal battles, including a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, which settled for $787 million in 2023. The lawsuit stemmed from her promotion of false claims regarding election fraud and the company's alleged involvement in rigging the 2020 presidential election.
Before her stint at Fox, Pirro served as the first female judge in Westchester County and was known for her work on domestic violence cases. She was elected as the district attorney in 1993 and served until 2005, when she transitioned to a political career, including a bid for the Senate against Hillary Clinton and a run for New York Attorney General.
In summary, Pirro's appointment as interim U.S. Attorney reflects Trump's ongoing strategy of appointing loyal allies from Fox News to key positions in his administration. As she steps into this role, questions remain about how her controversial past and strong opinions will influence her approach to law enforcement in Washington, D.C. The political landscape continues to evolve as the former president navigates the complexities of his second term, with Pirro now at the helm of a crucial federal prosecutor's office.
