Trump Appoints Fox News Host As US Attorney For The District of Columbia

President Donald Trump has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News host and former judge, as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. The announcement came Thursday (May 8), after Trump withdrew the nomination of Ed Martin, who faced opposition for his leniency toward January 6 Capitol rioters.

Pirro, known for her outspoken support of President Trump, will replace Martin, who served a controversial 15-week tenure. Trump praised Pirro's qualifications, citing her past roles as assistant district attorney, county judge, and district attorney in Westchester County, New York. Pirro's appointment follows her long-standing relationship with Trump, dating back to their time in New York GOP circles.

Pirro's history as a Fox News commentator has not been without controversy. Her statements about the 2020 election were part of defamation lawsuits against Fox, resulting in a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. She is also a defendant in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit by Smartmatic, which is expected to go to trial later this year.

Axios reported that Martin will transition to a new role within the Justice Department, while Pirro's appointment is expected to face scrutiny from Democrats. The duration of her term as interim U.S. attorney has not been specified by President Trump, nor has a permanent successor been named.

Pirro's departure from Fox News is effective immediately, with her leaving her role as co-host of "The Five." Fox News expressed appreciation for her contributions over her 14-year tenure. As the new interim U.S. attorney, Pirro will oversee more than 350 prosecutors in the nation's capital, handling both local and federal cases.