Jeanine Pirro Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Amidst Partisan Vote
Jeanine Pirro was confirmed as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., by a 50-45 Senate vote. President Trump nominated her for her extensive legal background, replacing Edward Martin Jr.
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Overview
- Jeanine Pirro was confirmed as the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Senate in a 50-45 vote, largely along party lines.
- Pirro had been serving as the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia since May, prior to her official confirmation.
- Her confirmation followed President Trump's withdrawal of his initial controversial pick, Edward Martin Jr., who lacked prosecutorial experience.
- Pirro was chosen due to her significant courtroom background, including roles as Assistant District Attorney and the first woman District Attorney in Westchester County, New York.
- Senators Durbin and Schiff expressed concerns about Pirro's confirmation, fearing she might act as a "rubber stamp" for President Trump due to her past statements.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing Jeanine Pirro's strong political ties to Donald Trump and her controversial past as a Fox News host. They consistently highlight her role in spreading election disinformation and the Dominion lawsuit, using terms like "fiercest allies" and "ardent loyalist." This collective editorial choice prioritizes her political identity and controversies over her professional qualifications, shaping a narrative of a politically motivated appointment.
"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."
NBC News"The Senate on Saturday approved the nomination of Jeanine Pirro, an ardent loyalist of President Trump and a Fox News fixture, confirming the cable news personality to a top prosecutor post in Washington, D.C."
CBS News"The Senate on Saturday confirmed Jeanine Pirro, the former Fox host and commentator, to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia."
Deadline"Pirro, a former county prosecutor and elected judge, was confirmed 50-45."
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FAQ
Jeanine Pirro has over three decades of legal experience, including serving as an Assistant District Attorney and as the first woman elected District Attorney of Westchester County, New York. She was also a judge in Westchester County and the first female president of the New York State District Attorneys Association. She has extensive courtroom experience and has been recognized for victim-focused programs like starting the nation's first domestic violence unit in a prosecutor's office.
Pirro's confirmation passed by a 50-45 Senate vote, largely along party lines, with most Republicans supporting her and many Democrats opposing. Senators such as Durbin and Schiff expressed concerns that she might serve as a "rubber stamp" for President Trump due to her past statements, leading to a partisan clash over her nomination.
Jeanine Pirro was nominated by President Trump to replace Edward Martin Jr., whose nomination was withdrawn due to his lack of prosecutorial experience. Pirro had already been serving as the acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. since May 2025 before her official confirmation in August 2025.
The U.S. Attorney for D.C. serves a unique role acting as both the local and federal prosecutor for the capital. This includes prosecuting a wide range of cases from misdemeanors to murder on the local side, and dealing with federal crimes such as child pornography, gangs, financial fraud, and terrorism. The office also defends the U.S. in civil suits within the district and manages cases of national significance.
Some Senate Democrats criticized Pirro's nomination, expressing concern she may act as a political ally to President Trump rather than as an impartial prosecutor. This skepticism was influenced in part by her prior outspoken political comments and the partisan nature of the confirmation vote.
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