U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., replacing his initial nominee, Ed Martin Jr., whose candidacy faced strong opposition. The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social account, described Pirro as “incredibly well qualified” and “one of the top district attorneys” in New York’s history.
Who is Jeanine Pirro?
Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and three-term district attorney from Westchester County, New York, joined Fox News in 2006 and currently co-hosts “The Five.” She is known for her legal expertise, having helped establish one of the nation’s first domestic violence prosecution units after graduating from Albany Law School in 1975. She previously had an unsuccessful run or New York Attorney General in 2006.While Pirro has been a staunch supporter of Trump on air, her media role has also led to controversy. In 2021, she was named in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Smartmatic over false claims regarding the 2020 election. Pirro’s appointment continues Trump’s trend of selecting Fox News personalities for high-level government roles, including Pete Hegseth, now serving as Defense Secretary. Trump’s reliance on media allies has raised eyebrows but remains consistent with his administration’s personnel strategy.
Ed Martin Jr. Withdrawn After Backlash
Trump’s initial nominee, Ed Martin Jr., faced intense criticism from both sides of the aisle. Martin had never prosecuted a case and drew scrutiny for firing staff, backing Capitol riot defendants, and failing to disclose frequent appearances on Russian state media. His defense of rioters and history of politically charged actions made his confirmation unlikely. Despite his failed nomination, Martin continues to enjoy backing from prominent conservatives such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., who see him as a strong voice for right-wing causes. However, his temporary appointment will expire on May 20
