Senate Confirms Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.
Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host and longtime legal figure, has officially been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia—a powerful role that makes her the top federal prosecutor for the nation’s capital.
The Senate confirmed Pirro in a narrow 50-45 vote, mostly along party lines. Her confirmation comes after President Donald Trump withdrew his original nominee, conservative activist Ed Martin Jr., whose support for January 6 Capitol rioters drew bipartisan criticism. Martin has since been appointed as the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.
Who is Jeanine Pirro?
Before taking on her current role, Pirro was widely known as a co-host of Fox News’ “The Five”, where she regularly voiced strong conservative views and often interviewed Trump. However, her legal roots run deep.
- She earned her law degree from Albany Law School in 1975.
- In 1990, she was elected as a judge in Westchester County, New York.
- Later, she served three terms as district attorney, gaining notable courtroom experience.
This legal background sets her apart from her predecessor, Ed Martin, who had never tried a case or served as a prosecutor.
Political Tensions Surrounding the Nomination
Pirro’s nomination wasn’t without controversy. Last month, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced her nomination despite a Democratic walkout over another nominee, Emil Bove. Still, her credentials and visibility in conservative media helped her secure enough support.
Notably, Pirro was involved in a 2021 defamation lawsuit brought by voting tech company Smartmatic USA, which accused Fox News and Pirro of spreading false election claims. The $2.7 billion suit is still pending.
A Trump Ally in a Key Legal Role
Jeanine Pirro’s close ties to Trump go beyond politics. In the final hours of his first term, Trump pardoned her ex-husband, Albert Pirro, who had been convicted of tax evasion and conspiracy in 2000.
Now, as the acting U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., Pirro holds one of the most politically sensitive and high-profile prosecutor roles in the country. Her office will oversee a wide range of cases, including public corruption, national security, and civil rights enforcement in the capital.