Trump Picks Jeanine Pirro as Interim US attorney for DC

As Ed wrote earlier today, Trump’s pick for the job of US Attorney for Washington, DC was pulled after Sen. Thom Tillis refused to support the nomination. But even as he made that announcement Trump said, “We have somebody else that will be great.” This afternoon we’re learning that person is Fox News host Jeanine Pirro. Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social.

I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Jeanine was Assistant District Attorney for Westchester County, New York, and then went on to serve as County Judge, and District Attorney, where she was the first woman ever to be elected to those positions. 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. In addition to her Legal career, Jeanine previously hosted her own Fox News Show, Justice with Judge Jeanine, for ten years, and is currently Co-Host of The Five, one of the Highest Rated Shows on Television. 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. Congratulations Jeanine!

ABC News had reported a bit earlier that she was being considered for the post. She did not appear on her regular Fox News show “The Five” today. Pirro has been a longtime Trump supporter.

Ms. Pirro, 73, has known the president for decades, has earned his trust and would provide him with a reliable line into one of the country’s most important federal prosecutors offices in the Justice Department…

She has been a staunch defender of Mr. Trump, offering him her support when he needed it most, particularly in the days leading up to the 2016 election when an outtake from “Access Hollywood” threatened to overwhelm his campaign.

At the end of his first term, Trump pardoned Pirro’s ex-husband who had been convicted of tax evasion. Trump had a deadline to appoint someone to this position before the job falls to the District Court.

Mr. Trump needed to act fast. Mr. Martin’s 120-day term as interim U.S. attorney expires on May 20, and if the president did not name a successor, the job would be filled by the judges who sit on the Federal District Court in Washington.

They are led by one of Mr. Trump’s judicial adversaries: James E. Boasberg, the court’s chief judge, who has ruled against the administration in several high-profile cases.

A few moments ago, Fox News’ Bret Baier announced that Pirro would be leaving the network to take the position.

Bret Baier just told Fox viewers about Jeanine Pirro’s new job. “She will be leaving Fox to take this position and we obviously wish her well,” he said. pic.twitter.com/SrwkN084tA

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) May 8, 2025

Other reactions are coming in now. Sen. Graham is thrilled.

Grand slam, home run, hat trick pick.

I am beyond pleased with President Trump’s decision to make Jeanine Pirro the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

She is exactly the right person at the right time to take on this responsibility. She brings to the table… pic.twitter.com/PDziU22M35

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 8, 2025

Sen. Mike Lee:

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 https://t.co/jagrHgrFG8

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) May 8, 2025

Plenty of negative comment too but I’m not seeing any from elected Democrats. They clearly haven’t been told what to say about this yet. Once the talking points are drafted they will all issue near-identical statements.