President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the appointment of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., replacing his earlier nominee, Ed Martin Jr. Pirro, a former New York judge and county prosecutor, has been a prominent voice on Fox since 2006 and currently co-hosts “The Five.” Her appointment marks another example of Trump tapping allies from the conservative media sphere for high-profile government roles.
The nomination comes after Trump rescinded Martin’s selection amid Senate opposition over Martin’s vocal defense of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. “He’s a terrific person, but he wasn’t getting the support,” Trump said. Pirro will now lead the nation’s largest U.S. Attorney’s office, overseeing major federal prosecutions. Her legal background includes serving three terms as Westchester County District Attorney and being elected a judge in 1990. The appointment does not require immediate Senate confirmation.
