Appointment of Ex-Fox News Personality Pirro Approved as lead Federal Prosecutor in Washington D.C.
In a significant turn of events, Jeanine Pirro, the former Fox News host known for her strong political support of former President Donald Trump, has been confirmed as the top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia.
Pirro's nomination, which was sent to the Senate floor after a unanimous vote from Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, marks a new chapter in her illustrious career. The vote was 50-45, reflecting a close but successful confirmation process.
Pirro's legal career began after she graduated from Albany Law School in 1975, where she started working as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County. She made history by becoming the first woman elected as a judge in Westchester County in 1990 and the first woman elected as Westchester County District Attorney in 1993. During her tenure, she established the nation’s first domestic violence prosecution unit and gained recognition for her work on cases involving domestic violence and elder abuse.
Politically, Pirro is affiliated with conservative views and was known for her outspoken political commentary during her time at Fox News. She hosted shows such as "Justice with Judge Jeanine" and "The Five," frequently interviewing President Donald Trump.
Interestingly, Pirro's nomination process did not face the same controversy as that of Ed Martin Jr., Trump's first pick for the same position. Martin's nomination was withdrawn due to his outspoken support for rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In contrast, Pirro's nomination was not withdrawn due to any controversial support for rioters or false claims about the 2020 presidential election.
Notably, Pirro's extensive courtroom experience sets her apart from Martin. Before her confirmation, she co-hosted "The Five" on weekday evenings, but unlike Martin, she has tried cases before taking office.
In a separate development, Smartmatic USA, a voting technology company, filed a libel suit against Pirro and others in a New York state court in 2021, seeking $2.7 billion in damages. The lawsuit stems from false claims spread about the company's role in the 2020 presidential election. The case is ongoing.
Pirro's ex-husband, Albert Pirro, was pardoned by President Trump in the final minutes of his first term, after being convicted on conspiracy and tax evasion charges in 2000.
In another twist, Democrats in the Senate Judiciary Committee walked out to protest Emil Bove's nomination to become a federal appeals court judge. The details of Bove's nomination and the reasons for the walkout are not specified in the available information.
As Pirro steps into her new role, she will bring her unique blend of legal and political experience to the District of Columbia. The impact of her tenure remains to be seen, but her confirmation marks a significant milestone in the history of the District's legal system.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/10/us/politics/jeanine-pirro-us-attorney-district-of-columbia.html [2] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/11/jeanine-pirro-confirmed-as-us-attorney-for-dc-478615 [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/10/us/politics/jeanine-pirro-us-attorney-district-of-columbia.html [4] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/11/jeanine-pirro-confirmed-as-us-attorney-for-dc-478615
- In her new role as the top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro will apply her legal and political experience, merging policy-and-legislation with general-news matters.
- The confirmation of Jeanine Pirro, despite some political controversy, hints at the intersection of technology, as voting systems are a key aspect of her potential cases, and the ongoing developments in politics.
