Trump Taps Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., Sparking Democratic Backlash
In a move stirring political waves, former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Judge Jeanine Pirro—Fox News personality and co-host of The Five—will serve as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
“I’m proud to name Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim United States Attorney for Washington, D.C.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Jeanine is not only one of New York’s most distinguished district attorneys, but also a trailblazer in law and media. She’s a powerhouse—this appointment is a win for justice.”
Fox News quickly responded to the announcement, acknowledging Pirro’s departure from her role on The Five. “Judge Pirro has been a driving force on The Five and a pillar of FOX News Media throughout her 14-year tenure. We thank her for her contributions and wish her every success in Washington,” said a network spokesperson.
This high-profile shakeup follows Republican Senator Thom Tillis’s decision to block the confirmation of Ed Martin, the previous interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. Speaking to CNN’s Manu Raju, Tillis explained his opposition stemmed largely from Martin’s views on the January 6 Capitol riot.
“I’ve told the White House I can’t support Martin’s nomination,” Tillis said. “My main concern is his stance on January 6. Anyone who breached the Capitol should face consequences. Whether that means 30 days or three years in jail is up for debate—but I have zero tolerance for those who entered the building that day.”
Tillis also criticized Martin’s suggestion that some January 6 defendants faced overly harsh charges. “We need to be clear: what happened on January 6 was wrong,” he said. “These weren’t people tricked into doing something illegal. They chose to disgrace our nation by storming and vandalizing the Capitol.”
While Tillis acknowledged Martin made valid points about prosecutorial excesses in some cases, he said he could only support Martin in a district unconnected to the insurrection.
Meanwhile, Senator Dick Durbin confirmed the Senate had halted Martin’s background investigation. Martin will remain interim U.S. Attorney until late May, at which point a D.C. district judge may name a replacement.
Despite the setback, Trump continued to champion Martin on Truth Social, calling him essential to his broader vision for the country’s future. “Ed Martin is one of the most committed fighters I’ve met—his mission to restore health and save lives in America is unmatched,” Trump wrote. “According to many, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Martin’s confirmation is critical. We must rally behind him.”
Trump ended his post with a message to Republican senators: “Support Ed Martin. We will take our country back—and he’ll be on the front lines of that fight.”
