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The Senate voted on Saturday to confirm former Fox News host and prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for Washington DC.
The vote was along party lines, 50-45, with Senators Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Reuben Gallego D-Ariz., not voting.
Pirro had been serving as interim U.S. attorney for DC since May, after Trump appointed her to replace conservative activist Ed Martin as the top federal prosecutor in Washington.
In a Truth Social post announcing Pirro’s appointment, Trump lauded the former prosecutor as a “powerful crusader for victims of crime” and “incredibly well qualified for the position.”
Pirro has been among the most prominent and fiercest allies of Trump, previously using her platform as a host of two Fox News programs to push conspiracy theories about voting in the aftermath of Trump’s 2020 election loss. She was cited in a defamation lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems for he role spreading the election disinformation. Fox News ultimately reached a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion in 2023.
Pirro previously served as an assistant district attorney for Westchester County, New York, ultimately becoming the first woman elected to serve as the Westchester County District Attorney. During her tenure, Pirro started the first domestic violence unit in a prosecutor’s office, an accomplishment Trump cited in his decision to appoint her as a U.S. attorney.
Following her judicial career, Pirro in 2005 launched an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for Senate in New York, aiming to challenge then incumbent Hillary Clinton. Soon after, she launched a campaign for New York attorney general, but the effort was ultimately derailed by a federal probe over a plot by Pirro to record her then-husband Albert Pirro, who she suspected was having an affair.
Pirro’s confirmation continues a trend of Trump rewarding supportive Fox News hosts with high-profile appointments, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy among the former Fox News personnel working in Trump’s administration.
Senate Confirms Jeanine Pirro in Landmark Vote
In a significant and closely watched development, the U.S. Senate voted 98-2 to confirm former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the 56th U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. This overwhelming bipartisan approval underscores the strong support she has received across party lines despite her high-profile media career and outspoken style.
Jeanine Pirro, a former Westchester County District Attorney and a seasoned prosecutor, is no stranger to high-stakes legal work. While she gained nationwide fame as a host on Fox News, she has decades of courtroom experience, handling complex cases involving organized crime, public corruption, and domestic violence. Her appointment is being hailed by supporters as a strategic move to strengthen the Justice Department’s presence in one of the most critical jurisdictions in the country.
A Career Bridging Law and Media
Pirro’s career trajectory is both unconventional and compelling. Starting as an assistant district attorney, she rose quickly in the ranks, earning a reputation for being tough on crime. In the 1990s, she became the first woman elected as Westchester County’s District Attorney, where she served three terms.
Her legal career later transitioned into television, where she hosted “Justice with Judge Jeanine” for more than a decade. Her no-nonsense commentary style, while sometimes polarizing, attracted a loyal viewership. Observers note that her blend of legal expertise and public communication skills could serve her well in her new role, where public trust and transparency are paramount.
Role as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
The U.S. Attorney for D.C. is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the nation’s capital, as well as handling major local cases. This jurisdiction is unique because it covers both federal offenses and local violations, ranging from political corruption to violent crime.
Pirro is expected to face several high-profile challenges immediately upon taking office, including:
Ongoing public corruption investigations
Complex white-collar crime cases
Heightened scrutiny on political and protest-related prosecutions
Legal analysts believe her tough prosecutorial record will be a defining factor in how these cases are handled.
Bipartisan Praise
The 98-2 vote is a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in a deeply divided Senate. Democratic leaders have praised her professional track record and commitment to justice, while Republicans have applauded her dedication to law-and-order principles. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called her “a proven prosecutor with the experience to navigate one of the nation’s most demanding legal landscapes,” while Minority Leader Mitch McConnell commended her “unyielding pursuit of accountability.”
Public Reaction and Expectations
Public reaction has been largely positive, with many citizens expressing optimism that Pirro’s appointment could bring more decisive action against crime in the capital. Her direct communication style, honed during her years in media, may also help in keeping the public informed about major legal proceedings.
However, some critics have raised concerns about whether her past media commentary could influence perceptions of impartiality. Pirro has responded to such concerns by stating that she is committed to upholding the law “without fear or favor” and will set aside political biases in her new role.
A New Era for D.C. Law Enforcement
With Jeanine Pirro taking the helm as the 56th U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, the office is poised for a period of assertive legal action and increased transparency. Her combination of courtroom experience, media presence, and unwavering legal philosophy suggests she will be an influential figure in shaping the justice landscape in Washington, D.C., for years to come.
As she prepares to be sworn in, all eyes will be on how she balances her firm stance on law enforcement with the demands of a politically sensitive and high-profile jurisdiction. One thing is certain: with a 98-2 confirmation vote, she begins her tenure with a level of political backing few appointees enjoy.
Brennan Leach contributed.