On May 9, 2025, Donald Trump appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former TV personality and county judge, as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, after withdrawing Ed Martin from consideration. Martin, previously involved in defending January 6 defendants and using his DOJ role to assist them, was reassigned to lead a new “Weaponization Working Group” and to oversee presidential pardons.
Pirro’s appointment followed what was essentially a Fox News–influenced vetting process, highlighting the administration’s continued politicization of justice roles. Known for her controversial record—including traffic violations, defamation suits, and involvement in the Dominion/Smartmatic lawsuits—Pirro now steps into a powerful prosecutorial role despite concerns about her qualifications and legal conduct.
The move underscores Trump’s pattern of rewarding loyalty and media prominence over conventional credentials in judicial and legal appointments.