President Donald Trump announced Thursday, May 8, that he is appointing Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim United States attorney for the District of Columbia. Pirro was the first female elected as a county judge and district attorney for Westchester County, New York.
“During her time in office, Jeanine was a powerful crusader for victims of crime,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Her establishment of the Domestic Violence Bureau in her Prosecutor’s Office was the first in the Nation. She excelled in all ways.”
Pirro joins dozens of former Fox News personalities in taking a role within the Trump administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Martin reassigned to Justice Department
Trump told reporters Thursday that Ed Martin, who was serving as interim top prosecutor in Washington, D.C., would not be getting the job permanently. Trump had considered Martin for the permanent role, but political opposition from Senate Republicans prompted the administration to move in a different direction. Instead, Trump said Martin will transition to the Department of Justice as the new director of the Weaponization Working Group, associate deputy attorney general and pardon attorney.
“In these highly important roles, Ed will make sure we finally investigate the Weaponization of our Government under the Biden Regime,” Trump said in a social media post.
Pirro’s history with Trump and Fox News
Pirro has long been a strong ally of Trump. On the final day of Trump’s first presidency, she actively lobbied for a pardon for her ex-husband, who had been convicted in 2000 for conspiracy and tax evasion. Trump granted the pardon as his last official act as president, CNN reported.
Pirro joined Fox News Channel in 2006, hosted “Justice with Judge Jeanine” for 11 years, and later became a co-host of “The Five,” according to Fox News. She is leaving the network to assume her new role in Washington, D.C.
“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,” a spokesperson for FOX News Media said in a statement.
Key role in nation’s capital
The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia prosecutes both federal and local crimes in D.C., represents the federal government in civil cases, and handles high-profile investigations, including public corruption and national security matters. Pirro will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
