Former judge and television host Jeanine Pirro has been appointed as the interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, a move that has drawn significant public attention and reaction across legal and media circles.

The appointment was announced by former President Donald Trump on his social media platform, where he praised Pirro for her extensive legal background and past accomplishments. Pirro, who is well known to the public through her work as a co-host on the Fox News panel show The Five, is also a former judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York. Trump described her as “incredibly well qualified” and “in a class by herself,” citing her reputation as one of the top legal minds to have served in public office in New York.

Fox News, Pirro’s long-time employer, acknowledged her departure and released a statement thanking her for her 14 years of contributions to the network. “Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington,” a spokesperson for the network said.

Pirro’s appointment comes after a delay in the confirmation of the previous interim nominee, Ed Martin. Martin’s nomination had been under review but faced resistance from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. One of the leading voices in opposition, Republican Senator Thom Tillis, raised concerns about Martin’s views on the events of January 6, 2021. Tillis stated that while he appreciated some of Martin’s perspectives, particularly regarding potential over-prosecution in certain cases, he ultimately did not feel confident supporting the nomination.

“I’ve indicated to the White House that I wouldn’t support his nomination,” Tillis told reporters. “Most of my concerns relate to January 6. I believe that anyone who unlawfully entered the Capitol that day should have faced consequences, regardless of intent.”

The senator noted that while Martin may have had valid legal concerns about how some individuals were prosecuted, the sensitivity of the District of Columbia’s legal environment—given its central role in the January 6 events—meant that any candidate for U.S. Attorney in that district needed to meet a higher standard of impartiality and judgment.

Senator Dick Durbin, a senior Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, later confirmed that Martin’s nomination would not be moving forward due to lack of support. He stated that without a full committee vote and completed background check, the process had essentially come to a halt. “In strict legal terms, he remains interim U.S. Attorney until late May, but the decision not to proceed means that the district court will likely be responsible for naming a new interim replacement once that term ends,” Durbin said.

With Martin’s nomination no longer active, Pirro’s sudden appointment caught many by surprise. The role of U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., is one of the most visible and sensitive prosecutorial positions in the country, overseeing cases involving federal crimes, public corruption, and often politically sensitive matters.

While Pirro has a strong record in law enforcement, her appointment is not without controversy. Critics point to her long tenure in opinion-based media and high-profile political commentary, raising questions about how her legal decisions might be perceived in such a politically charged environment.

However, supporters argue that her extensive experience in the legal system—combined with her strong stance on law and order—make her a fitting choice for the position. As a district attorney, Pirro led major prosecutions and was known for her tough-on-crime policies. Her legal education and early career were rooted in public service, long before her transition into television.

The position of interim U.S. Attorney is temporary and does not require Senate confirmation. However, any permanent appointment to the post would still need to go through the formal nomination and confirmation process.

For now, Judge Pirro’s entry into the role is set to begin a new chapter in her public service career. Observers from both the legal world and the media will be watching closely to see how she handles the responsibilities of one of the country’s most high-profile legal offices.