New U.S. Attorney: Trump to nominate Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.
Former judge and current Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro is set to replace Ed Martin as Trump’s new pick for top federal prosecutor in the U.S. capital.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday night that he plans to appoint Jeanine Pirro, a prominent Fox News host and former judge, as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. The decision follows Trump’s withdrawal of his previous nominee, Ed Martin, a conservative activist associated with the "Stop the Steal" movement.
Trump praised Pirro in a Truth Social post as “uniquely qualified” for the position, citing her past experience as both a prosecutor and judge, as well as her current role as co-host of The Five, one of Fox News' highest-rated programs. The transition would mark a significant personnel change in one of the most politically sensitive prosecutorial offices in the country.
A shift in strategy after withdrawing Ed Martin
Trump’s decision comes after growing opposition to Ed Martin’s nomination, particularly from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) publicly stated he could not support Martin due to his ties to individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol riot. Martin’s term as interim U.S. Attorney is set to end on May 20.
In contrast, Pirro, while having also voiced support for Trump’s post-2020 election claims, has not been directly associated with Capitol riot defendants. Her selection appears aimed at avoiding the backlash Martin faced while maintaining loyalty to Trump’s political and media base.
Trump announces on his Truth social media account that he will choose Jeanine Pirro as the top federal prosecutor in the United States. Photo: Truth Social
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Pirro’s controversial role in post-election rhetoric
Jeanine Pirro played a vocal role in amplifying election fraud theories following Trump’s 2020 loss. She was later named in a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems, contributing to a $787.5 million settlement between Dominion and Fox News in 2023. Internal network communications revealed concerns over her on-air commentary, with a producer calling one monologue “insane.”
Although Pirro later condemned the Capitol riot as “reprehensible and criminal,” her prior comments likening January 6 to the Revolutionary War sparked controversy. She framed the certification of the election results as a defining moment for congressional courage, fueling the same sentiments that led to the attack. Despite this, her nomination could move forward unless blocked by legal or political challenges.
