Trump Loyalist Lands Power Job After Spewing Election Lies
Jeanine Pirro speaking with attendees at the 2021 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.. Photo by Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
She raged on cable news, mocked the justice system, and pushed election lies on primetime. Now she's holding the keys to the capital's most powerful prosecutor's office.
Jeanine Pirro — the sharp-tongued Fox News host known for fiery monologues and fierce loyalty to President Donald Trump — has just been appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The surprise move marks another chapter in Trump's growing media-to-power pipeline, where TV personalities leap from prime time to prime power. But critics warn Pirro's appointment raises serious questions about the independence of federal prosecutors — especially given her track record of promoting false claims and attacking the very department she now serves.
From TV Star to Top Cop in the Capital
Pirro built her early career as Westchester County's first female district attorney, serving more than 10 years and earning a reputation as a tough-on-crime prosecutor. She left public office in the early 2000s to pursue statewide positions, including a failed 2006 run for New York attorney general. But her true fame came on television, where she hosted "Justice with Judge Jeanine" and later co-hosted "The Five," becoming a staple in Trump's media ecosystem.
Over time, Pirro morphed into a fierce defender of Trump, promoting alleged claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Her statements were so inflammatory that Dominion Voting Systems named her in its massive defamation lawsuit against Fox News — a case that ultimately ended with Fox News agreeing to settle for $787.5 million.
Now, she steps into a role that oversees prosecutions for national security threats, political corruption, and felony crimes in the nation's capital.
Why This Appointment Is a Big Deal
This isn't just a cushy job for a Trump loyalist. The U.S. Attorney for D.C. is often at the center of the most high-stakes legal battles in the country — including those tied to federal officials and high-profile investigations.
Pirro replaces Ed Martin, whose nomination collapsed after Senate Republicans balked at his behavior. Republican Senator Thom Tillis publicly opposed his confirmation, effectively dooming the nomination.
Martin drew criticism for his past praise of a Jan. 6 rioter and his threats to prosecute Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Justice Department insiders reportedly became alarmed at Martin's behavior, viewing his social media antics as damaging to the office's reputation, according to the Guardian.
Faced with the prospect of having the position filled by a judge seen as unfriendly to Trump, the White House scrambled — and Pirro got the call.
Pirro's Past Is Now Her Resume
Pirro hasn't worked in law enforcement in over 20 years. Since leaving her DA post, she's been a Fox News personality known for controversial commentary, including comparing Jan. 6 rioters to Revolutionary War soldiers and suggesting federal investigators looking into Trump should be arrested. In 2017, she stated "There is a cleansing needed in our FBI and Department of Justice — it needs to be cleansed of individuals who should not just be fired, but who need to be taken out in handcuffs," as reported by New York Magazine.
She was even briefly pulled off air in 2019 after comments about Rep. Ilhan Omar's religious attire were widely condemned. Fox News issued a public rebuke, saying Pirro's statements did not reflect the network's views, as reported by the Daily Beast.
None of these moments slowed her rise with Trump. In the final hours of his first term, Trump pardoned Pirro's ex-husband Albert Pirro — a lobbyist and former Trump attorney who had been convicted of fraud and tax evasion. The two have remained close allies for decades.
What the Critics Are Saying
Legal experts and ethics watchdogs warn that Pirro's appointment is part of a larger effort to politicize the Justice Department. By placing loyalists in key prosecutorial roles, Trump tightens his grip on agencies once seen as independent.
Pirro is not yet confirmed by the Senate — she'll serve up to 120 days in an interim capacity. After that, she'll need Senate approval to continue. If not confirmed, the seat would be filled by the judges of the U.S. District Court in Washington — a scenario Trump hopes to avoid, especially given his past clashes with the court's chief judge, James Boasberg.
For now, Pirro steps into a job with enormous influence over the direction of federal law enforcement in D.C. And if her past is any indicator, she's unlikely to fade quietly into the bureaucratic background.
Whether this is a savvy political move or a dangerous precedent, one thing is certain — Washington's legal world just got a whole lot louder.
References: Trump names Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as top DC federal prosecutor | Trump names Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as top DC federal prosecutor | A Few of the Many Lowlights of Jeanine Pirro, Trump's Newest U.S. Attorney
