Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.
May 9, 2025
In a surprise political shift, President Donald Trump has named Fox News host and former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The decision comes after Trump's initial nominee, Ed Martin, faced intense Republican opposition in the Senate.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, praising Pirro as a “powerful advocate for justice” and highlighting her trailblazing legal and media career. “She excelled in all ways,” he wrote, pointing to her decade-long role on Justice with Judge Jeanine and her current position on The Five.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who had openly blocked Martin’s nomination, quickly endorsed the decision, calling Pirro a “strong choice” due to her long-standing legal background and public presence.
Trump also revealed that Martin would be moved to the Department of Justice in several senior roles, including Director of the Weaponization Working Group and Pardon Attorney. “In these critical positions, Ed will lead the investigation into the Biden administration’s misuse of power,” Trump said.
Pirro, a well-known ally of Trump, will be stepping down from Fox News effective immediately. Bret Baier confirmed her departure during Thursday’s broadcast, wishing her well in her new position. A network spokesperson also confirmed the exit.
Though speculation had been mounting, the final decision became public only hours before she was due to appear on The Five. ABC News first reported her consideration, with CNN later confirming that internal discussions had been ongoing.
Pirro’s time at Fox News was marked by her fierce defense of Trump and frequent criticism of his opponents. Her legal commentary was often cited during high-profile cases, but also attracted controversy. She was named in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit that led to a $787 million settlement and remains a defendant in a similar suit by Smartmatic, both of which she and Fox deny.
Her relationship with Trump extends beyond the screen. In 2021, she successfully lobbied the outgoing president to pardon her ex-husband, Albert Pirro, marking Trump’s final official act in office.
Ed Martin’s withdrawal follows weeks of mounting criticism. His nomination was plagued by incomplete disclosure of media appearances, praise for a Capitol rioter with Nazi sympathies, and concerning statements regarding the January 6 Capitol riot. His brief time as acting U.S. Attorney saw him demote prosecutors investigating the insurrection and controversially refer to his team as “President Trump’s lawyers.”
Senator Lindsey Graham supported the decision to pivot away from Martin, hinting that a new choice was imminent and calling the move “probably a good decision.”
Though Pirro’s role is currently interim, her high-profile appointment positions her as a strong contender for a permanent post should Trump return to office. Her blend of legal experience, media influence, and political loyalty makes her a central figure in Trump’s reshaped inner circle.