On Thursday, Jeanine Pirro’s conspicuous absence from Fox News’ popular show “The Five” ignited speculation, especially when President Trump confirmed that she would be stepping into the role of interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. This position is critical within the American legal landscape, being one of the premier prosecutor jobs in the nation. For fans of “The Five,” there was no farewell show or send-off; Pirro’s move was immediate and orchestrated according to a spokesperson from Fox.
With Pirro’s departure, a coveted chair in right-wing media has become available. “The Five” consistently ranks as one of the top-rated programs in cable news, often functioning as a launching pad for media personalities aligned with the MAGA movement. The show significantly contributes to Fox’s financial success, as its high ratings at 5 p.m. lead into stronger evening viewership for the network. In the interim, Fox News announced that it would utilize a rotation of various personalities to occupy Pirro’s seat until a suitable replacement is named. Previous fill-ins have included prominent figures such as Katie Pavlich, Kayleigh McEnany, and Kellyanne Conway, while on the day of Pirro’s absence, Fox contributor Joey Jones took her spot.
Pirro’s appointment marks a notable development in Trump’s ongoing relationship with Fox News, as she is among approximately two dozen Fox personalities he has selected for official roles this year. Her relationship with Trump spans decades; notably, she had been socializing at his Mar-a-Lago estate long before his presidential bid. Furthermore, her book entitled “Don’t Lie to Me” paid homage to Trump, indicating a close affinity between the two.
Her dedicated defense of Trump coupled with her criticism of his adversaries has solidified her status as a prominent figure within the network, particularly appealing to the pro-Trump viewer base. During her previous hosting of the weekend show “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” Trump was a frequent and notably flattering guest. However, Pirro’s unwavering support for Trump and her promotion of baseless claims regarding voter fraud during the 2020 election drew criticism not just from outside the network but also internally, ultimately leading to her reassignment to “The Five.”
Recently, her name rose to prominence amid the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit against Fox News. Internal documentation from the legal battle revealed that her executive producer expressed strong concerns over her monologues, describing them as “rife with conspiracy theories and BS.” Additionally, during an internal disagreement regarding her Trump-centric commentary, he labeled her a “reckless maniac.”
In 2022, Pirro transitioned to “The Five,” where her lawyerly background, rooted in her tenure as District Attorney of Westchester County, New York, brought credibility to her analysis. Although her law enforcement career completed two decades ago, her ability to handle legal discussions with a deep understanding remains esteemed by her colleagues. Fox News released a statement acknowledging Pirro’s contributions to “The Five” over the past three years and thanking her for her 14-year commitment to the network.
Notably, Pirro replaces Ed Martin, a controversial figure whose turbulent conduct during his tenure sparked concern even among some Republicans. Fox News’s limited coverage of Martin’s controversies means many of Pirro’s viewers might be unaware of the precarious circumstances leading to her rapid career shift. Nonetheless, such a willingness to transition from a lucrative position in television back to a high-stakes legal role is in line with her longstanding allegiance to Trump.
In commentary about her new role, CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elliot Williams emphasized her experience as a valuable asset. However, he also raised concerns regarding the inherent independence expected from the U.S. Attorney’s office, particularly for one serving in the nation’s capital. The responsibility tied to this position is immense, as it is the largest U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country. Williams expressed that Trump’s selection of Pirro could undermine the office’s integrity, presenting a significant concern about the office’s management and independence.