Former Judge Jeanine Pirro Tapped as Interim U.S. Attorney by Trump

President Trump has appointed former Fox News host and judge Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., bypassing the Senate confirmation process after withdrawing his previous nominee.

Key Takeaways

President Trump appointed Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., replacing Ed Martin whose nomination lacked Senate support
Pirro brings experience as a former judge and district attorney for Westchester County, NY, but hasn’t held a law enforcement position in 20 years
The appointment places a longtime Trump ally in charge of the largest U.S. attorney’s office in the country
Martin will transition to a Justice Department role focused on investigating alleged “weaponization” during the Biden administration
Fox News praised Pirro’s 14-year contributions to the network as she departs for her new position

Veteran Prosecutor and Fox News Personality Takes Key Justice Role

President Trump announced the appointment of Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., following the withdrawal of his previous nominee, Ed Martin. Pirro, well-known for her Fox News program “Justice with Judge Jeanine” and as a co-host on “The Five,” brings her experience as a former judge and district attorney from Westchester County, New York to the position. The appointment comes after Martin’s nomination failed to secure sufficient Senate support, with his interim term set to expire on May 20.

In announcing the appointment, President Trump highlighted Pirro’s qualifications for the role. “I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. 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.”

I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Jeanine was Assistant District Attorney for Westchester County, New York, and then went on to serve as County Judge, and District Attorney, where she…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025

Long Relationship with President Trump

Pirro has maintained a longstanding friendship with President Trump spanning many years. During her tenure at Fox News, she consistently defended the President throughout various investigations. The relationship between Pirro and Trump extends beyond professional support, as evidenced by Trump’s pardon of Pirro’s ex-husband, Albert Pirro, for tax evasion and conspiracy during his first administration. This personal and professional connection underscores the trust the President has placed in Pirro with this appointment.

Fox News acknowledged Pirro’s departure in a statement, recognizing her contributions to the network. “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.”

Political and Legal Background

Although Pirro brings prosecutorial experience to the role, she has not held a law enforcement position for approximately two decades. Her political ambitions previously led her to run for the Republican nomination for a Senate seat in New York in 2006, and later to campaign for attorney general, ultimately losing to Andrew Cuomo. Pirro became a notable media personality at Fox News, where she was involved in the network’s lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems regarding claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia that Pirro will lead is the largest in the country, handling both local and federal cases in the nation’s capital. Martin, the withdrawn nominee, will not leave the administration entirely but will instead take on a new Justice Department role focusing on alleged government “weaponization” during the Biden administration, according to President Trump’s announcement.

Senate Support Challenges

The decision to withdraw Martin’s nomination came after facing opposition in the Senate, particularly from Republican Senator Thom Tillis. President Trump acknowledged the challenges in securing confirmation for Martin, stating it would be “hard” to achieve Senate approval. The interim appointment of Pirro bypasses the immediate need for Senate confirmation, allowing her to assume the role without delay. This strategic maneuver ensures continuity at the U.S. Attorney’s Office while avoiding a potentially contentious confirmation process.

As she transitions to this significant legal position, Pirro will bring her prosecutorial background and strong media presence to the Justice Department. Her appointment represents a notable shift from her media career back to the legal field where she began her professional journey. The coming weeks will reveal how Pirro’s leadership shapes the direction and priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Washington, D.C., under the Trump administration.