Supporters and critics alike were taken by surprise when President Donald Trump announced his pick for interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Specifically, the president appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro, the fiery Fox News host and former New York prosecutor.
The appointment comes after President Trump withdrew Ed Martin’s nomination. Martin faced opposition from Senate Republicans over his handling of January 6 cases.
Pirro’s appointment signals the president’s determination to place a trusted ally at the helm of one of the nation’s most powerful prosecutors’ offices.
President Trump disclosed the appointment while praising Pirro:
“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.”
Her selection comes as the administration continues its efforts to address the “weaponization” of the justice system against conservatives during the Biden years.
Pirro brings significant prosecutorial experience to the role. She served as Westchester County District Attorney in New York and as a judge.
Throughout her 14-year tenure at Fox News, she has been one of President Trump’s most vocal and loyal defenders, frequently using her platform to criticize the various investigations against him.
The interim appointment sidesteps the immediate need for Senate confirmation, though it remains unclear whether the president will nominate Pirro for the permanent position.
Her predecessor, Martin, drew criticism for dismissing prosecutors handling January 6 cases and could not secure enough Republican support for confirmation.
BREAKING 🚨 President Trump nominates Judges Jeanine Pirro as the next U.S. Attorney for D.C. 🔥
SHE NEEDS TO BE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
TIME TO GET LOUD MAGA pic.twitter.com/f3dPTdSBtB
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) May 8, 2025
Martin’s nomination faced a significant roadblock when Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced he would not support the appointment.
The senator specifically cited concerns about Martin’s approach to January 6 cases.
Tillis had stated he had “no tolerance for anybody who entered the building on January 6,” setting up a conflict with Martin’s handling of those prosecutions.
President Trump has found a new role for Martin, appointing him to lead the Justice Department’s “weaponization working group.”
The group will investigate alleged abuses of power by the Biden administration.
This strategic repositioning allows Martin to continue addressing key concerns of President Trump’s base while placing Pirro in the critical prosecutorial role.
A Fox News spokesperson also commended Pirro for her work:
“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.”
President Trump has described Pirro as “a powerful crusader for victims of crime,” highlighting her tough-on-crime approach that resonates with his base.
Her appointment comes as the president continues to fulfill campaign promises to reverse the politicized prosecutions under the previous administration, including his pardons for many January 6 defendants.
Pirro’s long-standing friendship with President Trump dates back years before his presidency.
