Trump Names Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney After Ed Martin’s Exit

People seated in a large governmental assembly hall

President Trump has appointed Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., replacing Ed Martin after his nomination lost Senate support.

Key Insights

Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and district attorney for Westchester County, will lead the largest U.S. attorney’s office despite not having held a law enforcement position in two decades.
Ed Martin’s nomination was withdrawn due to lack of support, particularly from Republican Senator Thom Tillis, with his interim term set to expire May 20.
Trump has reassigned Martin to a new Justice Department role focusing on alleged government “weaponization” during the Biden administration.
Pirro has a longstanding friendship with Trump and he previously pardoned her ex-husband, Albert Pirro, for tax evasion and conspiracy.
Fox News issued a statement praising Pirro’s 14-year tenure with the network following the announcement.

A Fox News Host Moves to the Justice Department

In a significant shakeup at the Department of Justice, President Trump has named Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. This appointment comes after Trump withdrew the nomination of Ed Martin, who had been serving in the role on an interim basis but faced opposition in the Senate. The position oversees the largest U.S. attorney’s office in the country, responsible for handling many politically sensitive cases and federal prosecutions in the nation’s capital.

Trump announced the appointment through a statement on Thursday, praising Pirro’s qualifications for the role. While Pirro does have experience as a prosecutor, having served as district attorney for Westchester County, New York, she has not held a law enforcement position for approximately two decades. Instead, she has built a career as a television personality and vocal supporter of President Trump in recent years.

I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Jeanine was Assistant District Attorney for Westchester County, New York, and then went on to serve as County Judge, and District Attorney, where she…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025

Pirro’s Legal Background and Media Career

Before her television career, Pirro established herself in law enforcement as the first female district attorney of Westchester County. She also served as a judge in New York. Her political ambitions extended beyond those roles, as she ran for the Republican nomination for a Senate seat in New York in 2006 and later for attorney general, ultimately losing to Andrew Cuomo. Despite these setbacks, Pirro found success in media, hosting her own show on Fox News and serving as a co-host of “The Five.”

“I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. 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,” Trump wrote.

Pirro’s relationship with Trump extends beyond professional admiration. She has consistently defended him throughout various investigations and controversies. This loyalty was reciprocated when Trump pardoned Pirro’s ex-husband, Albert Pirro, who had been convicted of tax evasion and conspiracy. Notably, Pirro was also involved in a lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems regarding claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election, which the network settled for $787 million.

Martin’s Exit and New Role

Ed Martin’s withdrawal from consideration for the permanent position comes after failing to secure needed Senate support. Republican Senator Thom Tillis had reportedly expressed opposition to his nomination, creating a significant obstacle to confirmation. Martin’s interim term as U.S. Attorney was set to expire on May 20, necessitating Trump’s appointment of a replacement. Despite losing this position, Martin isn’t leaving the administration entirely.

“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 spokesperson said.

President Trump announced that Martin will take on a new role within the Justice Department, where he will focus on investigating alleged “weaponization” of government during the Biden administration. This assignment aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to address what he described as politically motivated actions by the previous administration. Fox News acknowledged Pirro’s departure in a statement thanking her for her contributions to the network over her 14-year tenure.