Jeanine Pirro Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney Following Ed Martin’s Withdrawal

Man clapping in front of large American flag — US President Donald Trump walks through onto the stage in front of a crowd. 5 Of November 2020. Washington , DC, USA

President Trump has appointed Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., replacing Ed Martin whose nomination lacked Senate support.

Key Takeaways

Judge Jeanine Pirro has been appointed interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., replacing Ed Martin whose nomination was withdrawn due to lack of Senate support
Pirro brings a media background along with experience as a former judge and district attorney for Westchester County, New York, though she hasn’t held a law enforcement position in two decades
President Trump praised Pirro as “incredibly well qualified” and “in a class by herself” while appointing her to lead the nation’s largest U.S. attorney’s office
Martin, whose interim term was set to expire May 20, will take a new role at the Justice Department focused on alleged government “weaponization” during the Biden administration
Pirro has a longstanding friendship with Trump and has consistently defended him during various investigations

Trump Taps Fox News Host for Key Federal Prosecutor Role

President Trump announced that Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro will serve as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., marking a significant shift in leadership for the nation’s largest federal prosecutor’s office. The appointment comes after Trump withdrew the nomination of Ed Martin, who faced opposition from Senate Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis. Martin’s interim term was set to expire on May 20, necessitating a quick replacement. In his announcement, Trump praised Pirro’s qualifications for the position.

“I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. 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,” said Trump.

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…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025

Pirro’s Legal Background and Media Career

Jeanine Pirro brings a mixed background of legal experience and media prominence to her new role. She served as a judge and district attorney for Westchester County, New York, building her reputation in the legal community. However, she has not held a law enforcement position for approximately two decades, having pivoted to a media career. Pirro became a familiar face to many Americans through her Fox News show and as a co-host of “The Five,” where she developed a reputation for her outspoken conservative viewpoints.

Before her Fox News career, Pirro attempted to enter national politics, running for the Republican nomination for a Senate seat in New York in 2006. She later ran for attorney general but lost that race to Andrew Cuomo. Her departure from Fox News was acknowledged by the network through an official statement recognizing her contributions during her 14-year tenure. Fox representatives expressed support for her transition to this new role in Washington.

“Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media who contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington,” a Fox spokesperson said.

Pirro’s Relationship with Trump and Controversies

Pirro has maintained a longstanding friendship with President Trump and has consistently defended him throughout various investigations. Their relationship extends to personal matters as well – Trump pardoned Pirro’s ex-husband, Albert Pirro, for tax evasion and conspiracy charges during his previous administration. This close association has contributed to both support and criticism regarding her appointment to this significant legal position within the administration.

Her career has not been without controversy. Pirro was implicated in the lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News regarding false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election. This legal entanglement raised questions about her approach to sensitive legal matters. As she transitions to leading the largest U.S. attorney’s office in the country, these past controversies have become points of discussion among both supporters and critics of the appointment.

Martin’s New Role Amid Transition

While announcing Pirro’s appointment, President Trump also addressed Ed Martin’s future within the administration. Despite withdrawing Martin’s nomination for the U.S. Attorney position, Trump announced that Martin would take on a new role at the Justice Department. This position will focus on investigating alleged government “weaponization” during the Biden administration, allowing Martin to remain within the administration’s legal framework while shifting his focus to areas more aligned with the administration’s priorities.

The transition comes at a critical time for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., which handles federal prosecutions in the nation’s capital and has traditionally managed significant national security cases. The office’s leadership has substantial implications for ongoing investigations and prosecutions, making Pirro’s appointment particularly noteworthy within the broader context of the administration’s approach to federal law enforcement.