President Trump appoints Jeanine Pirro, Fox News host and former judge, as interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. after withdrawing Ed Martin’s nomination due to lack of support. Pirro boasts significant legal experience and is known for her controversial television presence. Her nomination follows a strained tenure marked by political scrutiny around Martin.
In a surprising turn, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News personality and former judge, as the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C. This decision follows his earlier withdrawal of conservative activist Ed Martin Jr.’s nomination for the role, amid accusations of partisanship. Trump noted Pirro’s extensive background and qualifications, calling her one of the best district attorneys in New York’s history.
Pirro’s career has been quite the ride. She has been part of the Fox News landscape since 2006 and currently co-hosts the network’s “The Five.” Her legal experience spans decades, starting from her election as a judge in New York’s Westchester County in 1990. After three terms as district attorney there, she briefly dabbled in politics in an unsuccessful bid against Hillary Clinton for the Senate in 2005.
Upon naming her to the position, Trump took to Truth Social, asserting that she was a strong fit for the interim U.S. Attorney role. However, he did not clarify if he would seek permanent confirmation from the Senate. The abrupt nomination shift came with the withdrawal of Ed Martin, whom Trump initially chose. Martin has faced significant backlash over his past remarks concerning Capitol riot participants, which led to a Republican senator’s refusal to support him.
In Trump’s reflection on Martin’s withdrawal, he stated, “He’s a terrific person, and he wasn’t getting the support from people that I thought.” Still, he expressed confidence in Pirro, suggesting she is well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
The appointment of Pirro isn’t just a surprise based on her past; her deeper courtroom experience puts her in stark contrast with Martin, who had never tried a case prior to his role as acting U.S. Attorney. During his term, he faced criticism for his decisions around politically charged cases and for his interactions on social media, creating a controversial atmosphere in his office. His temporary role runs out soon, with May 20 marking the end of his short tenure.
Pirro’s background includes leading pioneering efforts such as one of the first domestic violence units in the country. This depth of experience makes her a brave choice for an office that requires clear legal acumen. Beyond the courtroom, she gained fame as a commentator during high-profile trials like O.J. Simpson’s, and she even interviewed Trump multiple times during her gig at Fox.
In a twist of fate, in the final moments of Trump’s presidency, he also pardoned Pirro’s ex-husband, who faced a conviction in a 2000 case involving conspiracy and tax evasion. Adding to her colorful history, Pirro faces legal challenges of her own; she was recently implicated in a lawsuit from Smartmatic USA for allegedly spreading false claims regarding the election of 2020, with the company seeking billions in damages.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
