Jeanine Pirro Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for D.C., Deepening Her Political Alliance With Trump

Former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro has officially stepped into a new and highly scrutinized role as the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., following Senate confirmation on August 2, 2025. The confirmation vote—50 to 45 along near-party lines—cements her long-standing personal and political ties with President Donald Trump and reflects the deepening influence of Trump loyalists within the Justice Department.

Pirro, who had been serving as interim U.S. Attorney since May, replaces Trump’s initial pick, Ed Martin, whose nomination was rescinded amid Republican backlash over his ties to the January 6 Capitol riot. Pirro’s ascension is symbolic of both her loyalty to Trump and the broader strategy of embedding trusted allies into top government positions.

Why Was Jeanine Pirro Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for D.C.?

Jeanine Pirro’s confirmation to one of the most influential prosecutorial roles in the nation didn’t come without controversy. Democrats unanimously opposed her nomination, citing concerns over her history of incendiary rhetoric and close political alignment with Trump. Despite this, Republicans, led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, backed Pirro, praising her legal experience and dismissing critiques of her media persona.

Her background includes serving as a Westchester County District Attorney and County Judge in New York, followed by a lengthy run as a television commentator and host on Fox News. Throughout, she maintained a staunchly pro-Trump stance, using her platform to support his policies, defend his actions, and echo claims surrounding the 2020 election.

Who Did Pirro Replace, and Why Was That Nomination Withdrawn?

Pirro was not Trump’s first pick for the post. Initially, Trump nominated conservative activist and interim attorney Ed Martin. However, Martin’s controversial track record—including firing Jan. 6 prosecutors and launching internal investigations into the Capitol riot cases—prompted pushback from Senate Republicans, especially Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Faced with internal GOP opposition, Trump pivoted to Pirro, who, while still controversial, was seen as a more viable candidate within Republican ranks. Her nomination quickly moved through the Senate, underscoring the increasing normalization of partisan alignment in the selection of top legal officials.

How Deep Are Jeanine Pirro’s Ties With Donald Trump?

Pirro and Trump have a relationship stretching back more than 30 years. Trump hired her ex-husband, Al Pirro, as a real estate lawyer in the early 1990s, and their personal and political alliances have only strengthened since.

Pirro’s support for Trump has been multi-faceted:

• He donated to her past political campaigns.

• She defended his administration on Fox News.

• She wrote a book championing his presidency.

• He advocated for her return to airwaves when her show faced backlash.

Trump returned the favor on multiple occasions, most notably in January 2021 when he pardoned Al Pirro for tax-related convictions dating back to 2000.

What Does This Appointment Mean for the Justice System?

Critics argue Pirro’s appointment is another step in the politicization of the U.S. legal system under Trump. Senate Democratic leader Dick Durbin described her confirmation as “deeply troubling,” warning that her presence may accelerate the weaponization of justice to target political enemies and shield allies.

Supporters argue that her background in law enforcement and her familiarity with high-stakes legal matters make her a suitable candidate, emphasizing her leadership experience as a district attorney.

Other Fox News Alumni in the Trump Administration

Pirro is not the only former Fox News figure to join Trump’s inner circle. As of mid-2025, at least 23 current or former Fox News employees have been appointed to senior government roles. These include:

• Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense

• Dan Bongino – Deputy Director of the FBI

• Sean Duffy – Secretary of Transportation

• Mike Huckabee – Ambassador to Israel

• Tom Homan – Border Czar

This trend reflects the blurring of media and political power under the Trump administration’s second term, where loyalty and media reach increasingly influence appointments.

What’s Next for Jeanine Pirro?

Pirro’s role as U.S. Attorney for D.C. places her at the heart of major federal investigations, many of which involve politically sensitive cases. With her history of outspoken views and public loyalty to Trump, her impartiality will be closely watched. Her performance in this role could redefine her legacy—either as a legal powerhouse or a partisan enforcer.

You Must Know:

What is Jeanine Pirro’s legal background?
Jeanine Pirro served as a district attorney and county judge in New York before joining Fox News. Her experience spans decades in law enforcement and criminal prosecution.

Why did Trump replace Ed Martin with Jeanine Pirro?
Ed Martin’s connections to the January 6 insurrection sparked internal GOP opposition, leading Trump to nominate Pirro, who was seen as a more politically acceptable alternative.

What controversies has Pirro faced at Fox News?
Pirro was suspended in 2019 for comments perceived as Islamophobic and was later cited in a defamation lawsuit involving Dominion Voting Systems, contributing to a major settlement for Fox News.

What does Pirro’s appointment signal politically?
Her confirmation is seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to install loyalists in key roles, raising concerns about judicial independence and politicization of the justice system.

How long have Trump and Pirro been allies?
Their relationship spans over 30 years, beginning when Trump hired Pirro’s ex-husband. They’ve since supported each other politically and personally across multiple campaigns and controversies.