In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Jeanine “Judge Jeanine” Pirro, a former Fox News personality and staunch ally of Donald Trump, to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Recall that this appointment followed the derailment of Ed Martin’s nomination by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) back in May. While Tillis had no qualms about backing President Biden’s controversial Attorney General pick, Merrick Garland, he expressed his opposition to Martin purely for political reasons, indicating he would have supported him in any district except D.C.
President Trump enthusiastically endorsed Pirro, lauding her as “one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York.” He further proclaimed:
Trump: “Jeanine Pirro will be an exceptional US Attorney for the District of Columbia—one of the most crucial roles in our nation. She will restore public safety in our capital, dismantle violent street gangs and criminal networks, and ensure equal justice prevails. Expect to see significant improvements in D.C., I promise you that.”
On Saturday night, the Senate confirmed Pirro with a close 50-45 vote, reflecting the divisive nature of her nomination.
According to CBS, Pirro’s confirmation came amidst a backdrop of intense scrutiny from Senate Democrats and the broader legal community, who have criticized her as an election-denier and a partisan figure. Congressman Jamie Raskin from Maryland went so far as to pen a letter to Senate leadership, branding her a “partisan instrument of the Trump administration” and urging them to reject her nomination.
“I express serious concerns regarding President Trump’s nomination of Jeanine Pirro to lead the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Over the past decade, Ms. Pirro has shown unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, often at the expense of the Constitution and the rule of law. Her steadfast support for the discredited ‘big lie’ regarding the 2020 election and her defense of those involved in the January 6th riots demonstrate a lack of the integrity and constitutional fidelity necessary for this critical office.”
Pirro has been serving in this role in an acting capacity since May. Before her foray into the legal arena, she was a co-host on Fox News’ “The Five,” frequently interviewing Trump and building a rapport that would ultimately lead to her nomination.
The position of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia is no small feat, wielding considerable influence, staffing, and budgetary power. Her confirmation follows closely on the heels of the Senate’s approval of Emil Bove, Trump’s former defense attorney, to a U.S. appeals court, further consolidating Trump’s influence in judicial appointments.
As Majority Leader John Thune indicated, the Senate was set to adjourn until September 2 after wrapping up this round of votes, with 12 additional votes remaining on the schedule.
In short, Pirro’s confirmation not only exemplifies the current partisan divides in Washington but also highlights the shifting dynamics of legal power in the nation’s capital. As her tenure unfolds, all eyes will be on how she navigates the challenges of her new role amidst a backdrop of fierce political opposition.
