Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as Interim DC Prosecutor Amid Backlash

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host and ex-New York prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. The move follows the withdrawal of his earlier nominee, Ed Martin, due to lack of Senate support.

Pirro, a longtime Trump ally and former judge, is known for her controversial statements following the 2020 election, which were cited in a lawsuit against Fox News. Although the network settled for over $787 million, Pirro has continued to maintain her strong pro-Trump stance.

Trump praised Pirro as a “crusader for victims of crime” in a Truth Social post, highlighting her past work as a district attorney and her TV success. However, Democrats have sharply criticized her appointment, calling her unqualified and accusing Trump of promoting loyal media personalities over experienced legal professionals.

This marks the second time a Fox News host has received a major federal appointment under Trump, after Pete Hegseth became Secretary of Defense. Critics warn that such appointments blur the line between media loyalty and public service.

Pirro replaces Ed Martin, who was ousted after Republican Senator Thom Tillis opposed his permanent confirmation due to Martin’s stance on the January 6 Capitol attack. Martin has now been reassigned to lead a Justice Department group investigating officials involved in Trump-related probes.

Trump has also continued to grant pardons and drop charges against individuals involved in the Capitol riot, reinforcing concerns over the politicization of federal legal roles.