Trump Picks Longtime Ally Jeanine Pirro for Interim Federal Prosecutor Role

Man in suit pointing at audience during event

President Trump appoints Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim D.C. U.S. Attorney after withdrawing his previous nominee due to lack of Senate support.

Quick Takes

President Trump has named Judge Jeanine Pirro to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., replacing Ed Martin whose nomination was withdrawn
Pirro is a former judge and district attorney from Westchester County, NY but hasn’t held a law enforcement position in two decades
Trump cited Pirro as “incredibly well qualified” and “one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York”
The appointment places a longtime Trump ally in charge of the largest U.S. Attorney’s office in the country
Fox News released a statement praising Pirro’s 14-year contribution to the network

Trump Turns to Trusted Ally for Key Justice Department Role

President Trump has appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., making a significant change in leadership at one of the most prominent federal prosecutor’s offices in the nation. The announcement came after Trump withdrew the nomination of Ed Martin for the position due to insufficient support in the Senate, particularly from Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Martin, whose interim term was set to expire on May 20, will now take on a new role at the Justice Department focused on investigating alleged “weaponization” of government during the Biden administration.

Pirro brings a mixed background of legal and media experience to the role. She previously served as a judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York, though she has not held a law enforcement position for approximately 20 years. Instead, she has been a prominent conservative voice on Fox News, hosting her own show and appearing as a co-host on “The Five.” This appointment represents a significant shift from media personality back to a legal enforcement role for Pirro, who will now lead the largest U.S. Attorney’s office in the country.

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

Pirro’s Legal Background and Political History

Before her television career, Pirro established herself in the legal field. She served as a district attorney in Westchester County and also as a county judge. Her political ambitions extended beyond local office when she ran for the Republican nomination for a Senate seat in New York in 2006. Later, she campaigned for attorney general but lost to Andrew Cuomo. These experiences, while dating back several years, form the foundation of her legal credentials that Trump referenced when announcing her appointment.

“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,” Trump wrote.

The appointment draws on a longstanding personal and professional relationship between Trump and Pirro. During his first term, Trump pardoned Pirro’s ex-husband, Albert Pirro, who had been convicted of tax evasion and conspiracy. Throughout various investigations targeting Trump, Pirro has been among his most vocal defenders on television. This history of loyalty likely contributed to the President’s decision to place her in such a significant position within the Justice Department structure.

Fox News to Justice Department Transition

Fox News acknowledged Pirro’s departure with a statement praising her contributions to the network over her 14-year tenure. A network spokesperson said, “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’s transition from media personality to federal prosecutor represents an unusual career path. Her media career included some controversy, including involvement in a lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems regarding claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election. As she takes on this new role, Pirro will be responsible for overseeing federal prosecutions in Washington, D.C., a jurisdiction that handles many politically sensitive cases. The appointment underscores President Trump’s preference for placing trusted allies in key positions as he shapes his administration for his second term.