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May 8th, 2025, 12:40 PM ET·Politics

Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. after Ed Martin's Withdrawal

Following bipartisan opposition to Ed Martin's nomination, Trump appoints Jeanine Pirro as the new interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.


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Summary

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In a significant shift, President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia after withdrawing Ed Martin’s nomination due to bipartisan criticism. Martin faced backlash for his association with the January 6 riots and limited prosecutorial experience. Trump's announcement comes as he attempts to consolidate support for his administration. Pirro, known for her long-standing support of Trump and previous legal experience, replaces Martin, whose interim term concludes on May 20. Trump praised Pirro's qualifications and indicated that Martin would transition to another role within the Justice Department.

Sources (36)

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Trump picks Fox News host and former judge Jeanine Pirro as top federal prosecutor in DC
PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·13d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Pirro is the latest in a string of Trump appointments coming from Fox News — a list that includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who co-hosted “Fox & Friends Weekend.”"

Ed Martin’s Derailed Nomination Shows Donald Trump’s Power Is Waning
Mother JonesMother Jones·13d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…The evident defeat of Martin’s nomination is a loss, though by no means a death knell, for proponents of the unitary executive theory’s claim that Justice Department prosecutors are the president’s lawyers, and have always been."

Trump withdraws embattled candidate for top federal prosecutor in DC
The GuardianThe Guardian·13d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Martin had quickly made clear he intended to use the role to defend Trump, writing on social media that the office would act as “President Trumps’ [sic] lawyers” and saying he would not hire graduates of schools that practiced the diversity policies the president has vilified."

BREAKING: Trump Yanks Ed Martin Nomination
TPMTPM·13d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Martin, a Stop The Steal booster who had zero experience as a prosecutor, came in as acting D.C. U.S. attorney with a reputation as a political hack and only embellished his notoriety in his roughly 200 days on the job."

Trump says he’ll announce new pick for DC top prosecutor as controversial Ed Martin nomination falters | Politics
CNNCNN·13d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Martin’s nomination was first derailed Monday when Sen. Thom Tillis, a key GOP swing vote, informed the White House he would not support the president’s nominee for the job over concerns related to Martin’s views on the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol."

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