President Donald Trump has appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former prosecutor and current Fox News host, as the interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. The announcement was made public on Thursday afternoon, with the President expressing his full confidence in Pirro's legal expertise.
The President's statement underscored Pirro's extensive experience in the legal field, pointing out her past roles as assistant district attorney, county judge, and district attorney for Westchester County, New York. During her tenure in New York's judicial system, Pirro was recognized for her dedication to victims of crime and for establishing the nation's first Domestic Violence Bureau within a prosecutor's office, setting a precedent for victim protection that would be mirrored across the country.
Trump praised Pirro's career, both in law and media, reflecting on her ten-year stint hosting "Justice with Judge Jeanine" and her current position as a co-host on "The Five." His selection of Pirro coincides with a crucial time in Washington politics. Issues of crime, government oversight, and sensitive political investigations are at the fore, especially in the aftermath of the contentious 2024 election cycle that saw Trump's return to office.
In his announcement, Trump described Pirro as "one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York," and, with his typical bravado, claimed "she is in a class by herself." He concluded his statement with congratulations to Pirro, who has been a staunch supporter over the years.
Pirro's legal career began its significant rise in 1990 when she became Westchester County's first female judge. Her ascent continued as she was elected district attorney three years later, a position she held until 2005. Although her bids for U.S. Senate and New York Attorney General were unsuccessful, she pivoted to a successful television career that has now spanned nearly two decades.
The relationship between Trump and Pirro is founded on mutual support, with Pirro often using her platform on Fox News to defend Trump's policies and counteract his critics. In her new role as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Pirro will oversee an office tasked with prosecuting local and federal crimes in Washington, D.C., including cases that could involve public corruption, national security, and high-profile political figures.