On May 8, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, a key legal post overseeing both local and federal prosecutions in the nation’s capital. The appointment follows the withdrawal of Ed Martin’s nomination amid controversy and lack of Senate support.
Pirro, 73, is a former judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York, and was the first woman elected to either role in the county. Known for her tough stance on crime, she helped establish one of the first domestic violence prosecution units in the country. In recent years, she became a high-profile media figure, hosting Justice with Judge Jeanine and co-hosting The Five on Fox News.
President Trump praised Pirro’s qualifications, calling her “a powerful crusader for victims of crime” and emphasizing her legal and media experience as assets for the role. Her appointment adds to the growing list of former Fox News figures taking on influential roles in Trump’s administration.
Pirro steps into the role at a critical moment, with ongoing high-profile cases in Washington, including those related to the January 6 Capitol riot. Her predecessor, Ed Martin, drew criticism for his handling of those cases. He will now assume a new role within the Justice Department overseeing presidential pardons and related legal matters.
While supporters cite Pirro’s legal background and commitment to justice, critics have raised concerns over her partisan rhetoric and involvement in past defamation lawsuits. Nevertheless, as interim U.S. Attorney, she will have a major influence on federal prosecutions and legal policy in the capital.
