President Donald Trump’s bold move to appoint Fox News star Jeanine Pirro as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia signals a return to strong, no-nonsense leadership in Washington.
On Thursday, Trump announced Pirro’s selection after withdrawing his earlier nominee, Ed Martin, due to Senate Republican pushback, and this decision underscores the president's commitment to placing trusted, high-profile figures in key roles to advance his America First agenda, as the Washington Times reports.
Trump’s choice of Pirro came swiftly after Senate Republicans blocked Martin’s path forward. Martin, a staunch defender of those involved in the Jan. 6, 2025, Capitol events, faced fierce opposition from moderate Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis. Pirro’s appointment reflects Trump’s pivot to a candidate with broader appeal and a proven track record.
Pirro, widely known as “Judge Jeanine,” brings a wealth of experience from her time as a prosecutor and elected judge in Westchester County, New York. Her tough-on-crime stance and sharp legal mind have made her a household name among conservatives. Since joining Fox News in 2006, she has co-hosted “The Five” and produced legal content, amplifying her influence.
Martin’s nomination unraveled after Tillis publicly opposed him on May 6. Tillis criticized Martin’s dismissal of Justice Department cases tied to the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest, arguing that all involved deserved penalties. Without Tillis’s support, Martin’s confirmation stalled in the Judiciary Committee.
Martin, who served briefly as interim U.S. Attorney, sparked outrage by firing or demoting nearly two dozen lawyers prosecuting Jan. 6 cases. His actions and prior defense of rioters drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who also slammed his lack of prosecutorial experience. Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled his belief that Martin’s nomination was doomed, prompting Trump’s withdrawal.
Trump announced Martin’s exit and Pirro’s appointment in a Truth Social post, calling her “Judge Jeanine.” He praised her as one of New York’s top district attorneys, stating she is “in a class by herself.” While Trump did not clarify if Pirro’s role is permanent, he noted Senate approval would be required for a lasting appointment.
The withdrawal of Martin’s nomination marked a rare concession to Senate pressures. Trump expressed disappointment, saying, “It was disappointing, I’ll be honest.” Martin’s interim tenure as U.S. attorney ends on May 20. If no new attorney is confirmed by then, the 24 judges of the U.S. District Court in Washington will appoint a temporary replacement. This deadline added urgency to Trump’s efforts to secure Pirro’s position or select another nominee.
Pirro’s appointment aligns with Trump’s pattern of elevating Fox News personalities to prominent roles. Alongside Pirro, Pete Hegseth was tapped for Defense secretary, and Sean Duffy for Transportation secretary. These selections highlight Trump’s trust in media allies who share his vision for restoring American strength.
Tillis played an undeniably pivotal role in derailing Martin’s nomination. He insisted that “every single person” who entered the Capitol illegally on Jan. 6 should face consequences, clashing with Martin’s views. Tillis’s stance led to a deadlock, as Sen. Chuck Grassley subsequently omitted Martin’s vote from the Judiciary Committee’s schedule.
Democrats piled on, accusing Martin of inflammatory rhetoric, including comparing former President Joseph R. Biden to Adolf Hitler. They also criticized his threats against political opponents, further eroding his Senate support. These attacks underscored the polarized climate surrounding Trump’s nominees.
Mike Davis, head of the Article III Project, lamented Martin’s withdrawal, calling him “a good friend and a good man.” Davis blasted Senate Republicans as “weak sisters” for bowing to political pressure. Martin, undeterred, posted an AI-generated image of himself as a pope on X, captioning it “Plot Twist.”
Pirro’s legal background and public profile make her a formidable candidate, though Senate confirmation remains uncertain. Her prosecutorial experience contrasts sharply with Martin’s, potentially easing concerns among moderate Republicans. Still, her Fox News prominence may draw scrutiny from Democrats wary of Trump’s media ties.
Trump’s focus on trade, including a major deal with the United Kingdom announced the same day, shows his broader agenda at play. He acknowledged the demands on his time, saying he can only “lift that little phone so many times a day.” Yet, his swift action on Pirro’s appointment demonstrates his resolve to shape the Justice Department.
As Pirro steps into this high-stakes role, conservatives hope she will bring clarity and strength to a department battered by partisan fights. Her tenure, whether interim or permanent, will test Trump’s ability to navigate Senate politics while advancing his vision. For now, “Judge Jeanine” stands as a bold choice in a turbulent political landscape.
