On May 8, 2025, Donald Trump announced Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., replacing the embattled Ed Martin, who faced Senate backlash for his lack of legal experience. Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former prosecutor and longtime Fox News host, brings a storied career to the role—but her appointment has sparked debate. Known for her fierce loyalty to Trump, including her defense on The Five and a personal favor when Trump pardoned her ex-husband in 2021, Pirro’s rise raises questions about favoritism in the justice system. For USA readers, this story isn’t just about Judge Jeanine appointment; it’s about what her Trump ties mean for D.C.’s legal future on Scoop USA 24.
From Fox News to D.C.: Jeanine Pirro’s Journey
Jeanine Pirro, often called Judge Jeanine, has been a Fox News staple for nearly two decades. The 73-year-old co-hosts The Five, the most-watched cable news show, and previously hosted Justice with Judge Jeanine from 2011 to 2022. Before her media career, Pirro was a trailblazer in law: the first female Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, New York, and the first woman elected as Westchester DA in 1993, serving three terms. Trump praised her as “one of the top district attorneys in New York’s history” on Truth Social, highlighting her creation of the nation’s first Domestic Violence Bureau.
But Pirro’s legal credentials are only part of the story. Her Fox News tenure has made her a polarizing figure, known for unwavering support of Donald Trump. On The Five, she’s often defended Trump against critics, from tariff policies to deportation flights, even when co-host Jessica Tarlov pushed back, as seen in a March 2025 episode. Pirro’s loyalty isn’t just professional—it’s personal. In 2021, Trump pardoned her ex-husband, Albert Pirro, who was convicted in 2000 on 34 counts of conspiracy and tax evasion. This history has fueled skepticism about her appointment, with X posts reflecting concern: “Trump’s rewarding loyalty, not merit,” one user wrote.
Why Did Trump Choose Judge Jeanine?
Judge Jeanine appointment came after Trump withdrew Ed Martin, whose nomination faltered due to his defense of Capitol rioters and lack of prosecutorial experience. Republican senators like Thom Tillis opposed Martin, forcing Trump to pivot. Pirro, a longtime friend of Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, was a natural pick. She’s been rumored for Trump administration roles since 2018, when she eyed the Attorney General position, per Politico. At a Turning Point USA event in January 2025, Trump’s hirer-in-chief Sergio Gor teased a “big” White House hire involving Pirro, though she initially stayed at Fox News.
Pirro’s legal background contrasts with Martin’s inexperience, but her Fox News persona raises red flags. Critics on X argue her media career, filled with Trump defenses—like dismissing stock market dips in April 2025 as “Wall Street whining”—shows bias. Her appointment as D.C.’s top federal prosecutor, a role overseeing high-profile cases, has some USA readers worried about impartiality. “Pirro’s basically Trump’s cheerleader in a judge’s robe,” an X post read, capturing the sentiment.
What Does Jeanine Pirro’s Appointment Mean for D.C. Justice?
The U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., handles major cases, from political corruption to national security. Jeanine Pirro’s appointment could shift the office’s focus, given her prosecutorial history and Trump allegiance. As DA, she was a “crusader for victims of crime,” per Trump, focusing on domestic violence and child abuse. But her Fox News rhetoric—supporting Trump’s deportation policies and tariff wars—suggests a hardline stance that may align with Trump’s agenda, like cracking down on “sanctuary” jurisdictions (as seen in Trump’s April 2025 executive order).
For USA readers, the concern is favoritism. Pirro’s appointment follows a pattern of Trump elevating Fox News figures—Pete Hegseth and Sean Duffy also joined his administration. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat, expressed relief at Martin’s withdrawal but hasn’t commented on Pirro, leaving uncertainty. Will Pirro prioritize Trump’s political goals over impartial justice? Her past, including the pardon of her ex-husband, fuels doubts. Some X users fear she’ll target Trump’s foes, with one writing, “D.C. justice just became a MAGA weapon.”
Can Jeanine Pirro Stay Impartial?
Pirro’s defenders highlight her experience: 30+ years in law, including prosecuting tough cases. Bret Baier on Fox News’ Special Report wished her well, noting her departure from the network. But her Trump loyalty, amplified on Fox News, casts a shadow. In a 2023 The Five episode, Pirro dismissed criticism of Trump’s legal troubles as “tribalism,” ignoring her own bias. Her appointment could test D.C.’s justice system, especially if she faces pressure to pursue Trump’s adversaries.
What’s Next for D.C. and Jeanine Pirro?
Judge Jeanine Pirro’s interim role may lead to a permanent nomination, depending on Senate approval. For now, her appointment signals Trump’s strategy: reward loyalty while leveraging media fame to shape public perception. For USA readers, this raises a question: Can Pirro separate her Fox News persona from her prosecutorial duties? Share your thoughts in the comments—does Jeanine Pirro Trump history worry you?
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