(The Center Square) – Judge Jeanine Pirro, a current Fox News host, has been named interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia by President Donald Trump.
The president’s announcement comes hours after he pulled the nomination for Ed Martin after U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., a member of the 12-10 Republican majority Judiciary Committee, refused to support it killing Martin’s chances of being confirmed. Pirro’s time on the bench and as a former prosecutor were touted by the president.
According to a post from Trump’s Truth Social account, Pirro previously served as assistant district attorney for Westchester County, N.Y., followed by a stint as a county judge and district attorney, touting that she was the “first woman ever to be elected to the positions.”
The president boasted about her career in the judicial system, underscoring her time as a prosecutor.
Trump wrote, “During her time in office, Jeanine was a powerful crusader for victims of crime. Her establishment of the Domestic Violence Bureau in her Prosecutor’s Office was the first in the Nation. She excelled in all ways. 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.”
Pirro is the latest Fox News personality to be tapped by the president, most notably Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Pirro currently cohosts the network’s show, The Five, which the president says is among the most highly rated shows in his social media post.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who sits on the Judiciary Committee, voiced his support for Pirro and is looking to confirm her as soon as possible.
“Okay, let’s get Judge Jeanine Pirro confirmed as U.S. Attorney for D.C…We have no time to waste, and don’t want to give Judge Boasberg any chance to make the appointment,” Lee posted on X.
The president and Republicans are up against the clock in filling the role of top prosecutor for D.C. The Senate has until May 20 to confirm the nomination; if not, Chief Justice James Boasberg will be able to choose. Boasberg has been a thorn in the side of the president, specifically in his quest to carry out deportations.
Pirro must face a split Judiciary with a 12-10 Republican majority and likely no support from Democratic members.
