Senate Confirms Jeanine Pirro as D.C. U.S. Attorney Along Partisan Lines

The U.S. Senate confirmed Jeanine Pirro as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia on August 2, 2025, with a 50-45 vote, largely along party lines [2]. Pirro, a former Fox News host and elected judge, will now lead the federal prosecution in Washington, D.C., overseeing both federal crimes and major offenses in the nation’s capital [9]. The confirmation followed her appointment as acting U.S. Attorney in May 2024 by then-President Donald Trump [4].

Pirro brings extensive legal experience, having served as a county prosecutor and a judge in New York’s Westchester County. Her career in law predates her media presence, with a background that includes three terms as county district attorney and a decade of judicial service [6]. Her media career, particularly on Fox News, has been marked by strong support for Trump and his policies, and she frequently interviewed the on her show [9].

The Senate’s decision to confirm Pirro followed months of political maneuvering. Republican members of the Judiciary Committee had earlier moved her nomination to the floor after Democrats walked out in protest over another judicial nomination [2]. The vote underscored the polarized environment in which judicial appointments are increasingly decided, often along partisan lines.

Pirro’s appointment has drawn attention for her dual identity as a media figure and legal professional. Before this role, she was among several Trump-nominated candidates awaiting Senate approval [3]. The process highlighted the ongoing debate over the qualifications and influence of media personalities in high-level government positions.

The U.S. Attorney for D.C. holds a critical role given the jurisdiction’s unique position as the center of national politics. Pirro will oversee a wide range of federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, in a city where law and politics often intersect [9]. Her experience in both law and media may shape how she handles public communication and high-profile cases.

Trump publicly praised Pirro’s confirmation, emphasizing her qualifications despite her controversial media persona. “Don't forget, Jeanine Pirro was a great judge and a great prosecutor,” he said on August 3, 2025 [8]. This marks a return to a legal role for Pirro, potentially shifting public perception of her professional expertise beyond her television presence.

Pirro’s transition from media to federal prosecution reflects a growing trend of media personalities entering high-level government roles. Her confirmation continues to illustrate the intersection of media influence and political power within the U.S. legal system [7].

Source:

[1] Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as top federal prosecutor for ... (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/02/jeanine-pirro-dc-attorney-senate-vote-trump/)

[2] Senate Confirms Election Denying Fox Host as DC US ... (https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/senate-confirms-election-denying-fox-host-as-dc-us-attorney/)

[3] Jeanine Pirro confirmed as U.S. attorney for D.C. (https://www.livenowfox.com/news/jeanine-pirro-former-fox-news-host-confirmed-top-federal-prosecutor)

[4] Senate confirms former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as ... (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-confirms-former-fox-news-host-jeanine-pirro-us-attorney-distric-rcna222702)

[6] Who is Jeanine Pirro? Trump loyalist and ex-Fox News ... (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/who-is-jeanine-pirro-trump-loyalist-and-ex-fox-news-host-confirmed-as-top-us-attorney-wins-senate-approval/articleshow/123071457.cms)

[7] Former Fox host Jeanine Pirro confirmed as U.S. attorney ... (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/former-fox-host-jeanine-pirro-154431485.html)

[8] Trump Gushes About His New D.C. Prosecutor's Success ... (https://www.newsbreak.com/thedailybeast-513346/4155****81461-trump-gushes-about-his-new-d-c-prosecutor-s-success-in-show-business)

[9] Ex-Fox News host Jeanine Pirro - ridiculed on SNL (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14966665/Ex-Fox-News-host-Jeanine-Pirro-ridiculed-SNL-new-Attorney-District-Columbia.html)