Judge Jeanine Pirro speaking with attendees at the 2022 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. (Image: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons)
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he is naming Fox News host and former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.
Pirro's appointment comes following significant opposition from Republicans on Capitol Hill to his initial candidate, Ed Martin.
“I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
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The president referred to her as the “powerful crusader for victims of crime.”
“In addition to her Legal career, Jeanine previously hosted her own Fox News Show, Justice with Judge Jeanine, for ten years, and is currently Co-Host of The Five, one of the Highest Rated Shows on Television,” Trump said.
Political commentators and journalists criticized the decision, saying that Pirro is unqualified for the role.
Lawyer Tristan Snell wrote: "BREAKING: Trump to name Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim US Attorney for DC After Senate rejected his last pick, Ed Martin How many more TV hosts is Trump going to put in serious positions they’re unqualified for? THIS IS THE US GOVERNMENT — NOT THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE"
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Matthew Gertz, a fellow with Media Matters for America, wrote: "Pirro is the 23rd former Fox employee Trump has named to his administration. She's wildly unqualified to be DC's top prosecutor and was been described by her former executive producer as a "reckless lunatic." Gonna thread some of her lowlights."
Democratic strategist Mike Nellis wrote: "Naming Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney is ridiculous. That needs to be said. Trump is deeply unserious and has no interest in keeping any of us safe. Same with Hegseth. Loyalty over competence—always."
Political commentator Ron Filpkowski sarcastically said: "I’m sure Jeanine Pirro will just be working hard in the office on personnel issues and supervising big cases/investigations and won’t have time to do a bunch of Fox interviews because she will be totally focused on the job."
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