• Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.
• She replaces Ed Martin, whose nomination faced opposition from Senate Republicans.
• Pirro's appointment comes as Trump praises her legal credentials and history of advocacy.
• Prior to this role, Pirro was a prominent figure on Fox News and held various positions in law enforcement.
• The decision is part of Trump’s tendency to appoint media figures to significant government roles.

On May 8, 2025, President Donald Trump officially announced the appointment of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. This decision follows Trump's withdrawal of Ed Martin, who had been serving in the role but lost support among key Senate Republicans. Trump noted that he has high regard for Pirro's qualifications, calling her "incredibly well qualified" and recognizing her history as one of New York's top district attorneys, according to ABC News and The Hill.

Pirro, who has built a significant media presence and legal career, was previously a judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York. Trump's announcement highlighted her work advocating for victims of crime, which includes her role in establishing one of the nation’s first domestic violence prosecution units. "Jeanine was a powerful crusader for victims of crime," Trump stated in his announcement, as reported by HuffPost and CBS News.

The withdrawal of Martin’s nomination was primarily spurred by bipartisan concerns regarding his qualifications and links to the January 6 Capitol riots. Martin, who lacked prosecution experience, received significant pushback, especially after North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis made clear he could not support the nomination, according to New York Times and Reuters.

Pirro's history with Trump spans several years, as she has consistently supported him throughout various controversies, including promoting false claims regarding the 2020 election. This has raised questions about her suitability for the new position amid ongoing legal challenges surrounding her media activities. Legislators may probe her past actions related to lawsuits against Fox News, including significant financial settlements due to defamation claims, as noted by India Times and BBC.