The Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., ending weeks of controversy. This nomination fills the vacancy after President Donald Trump withdrew his original nominee, Ed Martin Jr., due to rising opposition. Pirro, a former county prosecutor and elected judge, won confirmation by a 50-45 vote.
Before stepping into this role, Pirro served as the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia starting in May. Prior to that, she was well-known as a co-host on Fox News’s evening show, The Five. On the show, she frequently interviewed Trump and built a close association with his administration.
Trump withdrew Martin’s nomination after a key Republican senator openly opposed him. This senator criticized Martin’s vocal support for the January 6, 2021, Capitol rioters. Following the withdrawal, Martin continued working in the Justice Department as its pardon attorney.
In addition, Pirro faced legal challenges related to the 2020 presidential election. The voting technology company Smartmatic USA sued her for allegedly spreading false claims about election fraud. The lawsuit, filed in New York state court, seeks $2.7 billion in damages.
Despite the controversy, Pirro’s nomination sailed through the Senate Judiciary Committee last month. Republicans unanimously approved her nomination, while Democrats staged a protest by walking out over another judicial nominee. Pirro’s extensive courtroom experience set her apart. She graduated from Albany Law School in 1975 and served three terms as an elected district attorney in Westchester County, New York.
Unlike Martin, Pirro had previously worked as a prosecutor and judge. She was elected as a judge in Westchester County in 1990. This experience gave her significant credibility for the U.S. Attorney role.
Interestingly, during the final moments of Trump’s first term, he pardoned Pirro’s ex-husband, Albert Pirro. He had been convicted in 2000 for conspiracy and tax evasion.
In summary, the Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as the new U.S. Attorney for D.C., closing a chapter filled with political tension and legal battles. This confirmation marks a significant step for the Justice Department under the current administration.
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