Breaking: Donald Trump Names Fox News Host Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., Sparking Political Firestorm

In a headline-making announcement on Thursday, former President Donald Trump revealed that Judge Jeanine Pirro, Fox News co-host and former New York district attorney, will serve as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia—a move that has ignited fierce reactions across the political spectrum.

Trump praised Pirro on Truth Social, calling her “incredibly well qualified” and “one of the top district attorneys in the history of New York.”

“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. Congratulations Jeanine!” he wrote.

Fox News Confirms Pirro’s Departure

Shortly after, Fox News officially confirmed Pirro’s exit from The Five, where she had been a co-host since 2021.

“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 network spokesperson said.

Pirro’s transition marks a significant shift from broadcasting to a highly charged legal position at the heart of the nation’s political capital.

Appointment Follows Collapse of Ed Martin Nomination

Pirro’s appointment comes on the heels of the Senate’s rejection of Ed Martin, Trump’s prior nominee for the D.C. U.S. Attorney role. Martin, a staunch Trump ally, faced opposition from Senate Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis, who criticized Martin’s stance on the January 6 Capitol riot.

“Anybody that breached the perimeter should have been imprisoned for some period of time,” Tillis told CNN. “What happened on Jan. 6 was wrong… They disgraced the United States by absolutely destroying the Capitol.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee declined to advance Martin’s nomination, effectively ending his chances.

Democrats Voice Alarm

News of Pirro’s interim appointment quickly drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who warn that placing such a polarizing media figure in charge of sensitive federal prosecutions risks politicizing the Justice Department.

“This is nothing short of political theater,” a senior Democratic aide told Politico. “Appointing a cable news host—known for inflammatory rhetoric—to a role overseeing January 6-related prosecutions is deeply irresponsible.”

While Pirro has experience as a judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York, her recent years on Fox News have been marked by partisan commentary supporting Trump and criticizing the Biden administration.

What’s Next?

Pirro will serve until a permanent U.S. attorney is confirmed—a process that could stretch for months amid deep partisan divides. During this time, she will oversee some of the most sensitive federal cases in the country, including investigations related to January 6.

Critics question whether Pirro can remain impartial in cases involving Trump allies or the former president himself. Meanwhile, supporters hail her as a “fighter” ready to “clean house” at the Department of Justice.

“Jeanine Pirro has seen through the deep state lies. She won’t back down,” said one Trump surrogate on social media.

The Bigger Picture

This appointment is part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape key legal positions as he eyes a potential 2024 presidential run. By installing loyalists like Pirro, he signals a continued focus on “law and order” and a challenge to what he calls the “weaponization of government.”

Whether Pirro’s role will extend beyond interim status remains uncertain. Either way, her move from Fox News to the DOJ shakes up both media and legal arenas—and the ripple effects are just beginning.

Fox News Loses a Firebrand; DOJ Gains One

For now, one thing is clear: Fox News bids farewell to a fiery voice, while the Department of Justice gains a controversial new leader in its ranks.

Stay tuned. The story is far from over.