URGENT UPDATE: The Senate has officially confirmed former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the new top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., following a controversial nomination process. The vote, held just moments ago, concluded with a narrow margin of 50-45, as the Senate filled the critical role after President Donald Trump withdrew his initial pick, Ed Martin Jr.
This development is significant as Pirro steps into the role of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia amidst ongoing national scrutiny over the January 6 Capitol riots. Trump’s decision to withdraw Martin’s nomination came after a Republican senator expressed concerns over Martin’s previous support for the rioters, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the appointment.
Before her confirmation, Pirro served as the acting U.S. Attorney since May and was well-known for her role on the Fox News show “The Five,” where she frequently engaged with Trump. Her experience as a former county prosecutor and elected judge positions her as a seasoned choice compared to Martin, who had no prior prosecutorial experience.
The confirmation follows a heated debate, particularly after allegations from voting technology company Smartmatic USA, which sued Fox News and Pirro for $2.7 billion over claims that they spread false information regarding the 2020 presidential election. This lawsuit underscores the ongoing legal and political ramifications of the last election.
In a tactical maneuver, Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance Pirro’s nomination to the Senate floor last month, coinciding with a Democratic walkout in protest of another judicial nomination. With her confirmation, Pirro’s courtroom experience—having been elected as a judge in New York’s Westchester County in 1990 and serving three terms as the county’s district attorney—could bring a new approach to the office.
As the new U.S. Attorney, Pirro’s immediate priorities include addressing the fallout from the Capitol insurrection and managing ongoing investigations related to that day. Observers will be watching closely to see how her past affiliations and experiences influence her approach to high-stakes cases in the nation’s capital.
This confirmation marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape as Pirro prepares to take on a role that will affect federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., and beyond. The implications of her appointment are set to reverberate throughout the judicial system and the ongoing discussions surrounding political accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Pirro’s leadership will shape the future of federal prosecutions in the country.
