In a headline-grabbing move that has already sparked fierce reactions across the political spectrum, former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Judge Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News co-host and former New York district attorney, will serve as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, calling Pirro “incredibly well qualified” and praising her as one of the top prosecutors in New York’s history.

“Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York. She is in a class by herself. Congratulations Jeanine!” Trump posted.

FOX News Confirms Pirro’s Departure
Fox News quickly responded to the announcement, officially confirming Pirro’s departure from The Five, where she served as a co-host since 2021.

“Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media who contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington,” a network spokesperson said.

While Pirro’s move is seen by supporters as a bold and strategic choice, it also signals a notable departure from her broadcasting career—at least for now—as she steps into one of the most politically charged legal roles in the nation.

The Vacancy Drama: Ed Martin Nomination Blocked

Pirro’s appointment follows the collapse of Ed Martin’s nomination for the same role. Martin, a former Republican political operative and Trump ally, faced intense opposition in the Senate, particularly from GOP Sen. Thom Tillis, who expressed serious concerns over Martin’s views on the January 6 Capitol riot.

Tillis, in comments to CNN, noted that Martin believed some Jan. 6 rioters were overcharged, a position the senator found deeply problematic.

“Anybody that breached the perimeter should have been imprisoned for some period of time,” Tillis said. “What happened on Jan. 6 was wrong… They disgraced the United States by absolutely destroying the Capitol.”

Sen. Dick Durbin, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, later confirmed that the committee would not proceed with Martin’s background investigation, effectively ending his chances at confirmation.

Democrats React with Alarm
Trump names Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as top DC prosecutor

News of Pirro’s appointment spread quickly on Capitol Hill—and Democrats wasted no time voicing alarm. While the appointment is interim and not subject to immediate Senate confirmation, critics argue that placing such a polarizing media figure in charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., is a provocative political maneuver.

“This is nothing short of political theater,” one senior Democratic aide told Politico. “Appointing a cable news host—one with a history of inflammatory rhetoric—to a role that may oversee January 6-related prosecutions is deeply irresponsible.”

While Pirro has previously served as a judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York, her recent years in cable news have been marked by sharp partisan commentary, particularly in defense of Trump and criticism of the Biden administration, election integrity investigations, and border security issues.

What Comes Next
Pirro’s appointment is effective immediately and is set to last until a permanent U.S. attorney is confirmed. That process could take months, especially given the deepening partisan divides in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Until then, Pirro will oversee some of the most sensitive federal cases in the country, including many that may be tied to ongoing investigations stemming from January 6.

Critics are already questioning how Pirro can impartially oversee any cases involving Trump allies—or Trump himself—given her outspoken support for the former president.

Supporters, however, are cheering the move as a much-needed shake-up of the Justice Department’s leadership in the capital. On Truth Social and X (formerly Twitter), conservative influencers and Trump loyalists praised the appointment, calling Pirro a “fighter” who will “clean house” at the DOJ.

“This is exactly the kind of tough-minded leadership we need,” posted one Trump surrogate. “Jeanine Pirro has seen through the deep state lies. She won’t back down.”

The Bigger Picture
The move comes as Trump continues to restructure key legal positions ahead of his anticipated return to the White House. While still a candidate for 2024, Trump has made no secret of his intention to remake the federal government, including the DOJ, with loyalists who share his vision of restoring “law and order” and confronting what he calls the “weaponization of government.”

With Pirro’s appointment, Trump is signaling his desire to keep all eyes on D.C., particularly as legal and political battles heat up in the months ahead.

Will Pirro Stay on Long-Term?
It remains unclear whether Pirro is being groomed for a long-term role in the Justice Department or if her appointment is primarily symbolic. Either way, her move to Washington is shaking up both the legal and media landscapes—and the ripple effects may just be beginning.

For now, one thing is certain: Fox News has lost a firebrand voice, and the DOJ has gained one.

Stay tuned. The headlines are just getting started.