Jeanine Pirro, the former Fox News host known for her fiery commentary and decades-long legal career, recently stepped into one of the nation’s most powerful legal roles: United States Attorney for Washington D.C.
But her path to this post wasn’t straightforward, and it included a notable refusal that risked political backlash.
Turning Down a Deputy FBI Role
Late last year, Pirro was offered a position as Deputy Director of the FBI under Kash Patel.
According to sources, she declined, saying she had “no interest” in working for Patel.
Her decision raised eyebrows, particularly because Patel, who had limited legal experience and a public distrust of the FBI, had faced significant criticism upon his appointment.
The position Pirro passed on ultimately went to Dan Bongino, the podcaster and former Secret Service agent known for promoting various MAGA conspiracy theories.
Pirro’s refusal reportedly put her at odds with some Trump allies, but she remained focused on her career trajectory.
Stepping Into the D.C. Attorney Role
In May, Pirro was tapped to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia after Trump’s first choice, Ed Martin—a conservative activist and defender of January 6 rioters—failed to win enough Senate support for confirmation.
By August 3, Pirro had officially been sworn in on a permanent basis.
Her role is particularly influential, overseeing cases that involve national security, public corruption, violent crime, and drug trafficking, including the headquarters of most federal agencies.
Tackling Crime in the Capital
Pirro has thrown herself into Trump’s law-and-order agenda in D.C., celebrating the decision to deploy the National Guard and federalize local police.
She recently joined Trump in discussing violent crime in the city, pointing to attacks by gangs and youth crews.
She highlighted a specific incident involving a young man, Edward Coristine—nicknamed “Big Balls”—who was reportedly beaten in D.C., prompting Trump’s intervention. “Here’s what the president is going to do.
He’s going to make a difference. We’re going to change the laws.”
Pirro told Fox, emphasizing that she plans to target what she calls “liberal judges” and “liberal laws.”
Political Support and Criticism
While Democrats have criticized Pirro for her outspoken style and past TV commentary, Republican leaders like Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley have praised her.
Grassley acknowledged her “larger-than-life personality” but emphasized her decades of experience as a prosecutor and judge, noting that D.C. is fortunate to have her in this role.
A Storied Legal Career
Pirro began as a young lawyer in New York City, focusing on prosecuting sexual offenses against women and children.
She rose through the ranks, becoming Westchester County district attorney in 1993 as a Republican.
Later, she transitioned to television, joining Fox News as a panelist and commentator, earning up to $3 million a year on The Five.
Her TV career also brought controversy. In 2019, she was suspended after criticizing Ilhan Omar’s decision to wear a hijab and she has been a vocal supporter of claims that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump.
From TV to High-Stakes Legal Authority
Today, Pirro combines her media-savvy persona with her legal experience to tackle some of the most serious cases in the nation’s capital.
Her journey from courtroom prosecutor to national TV figure to U.S. Attorney highlights a career defined by bold decisions, controversy, and a willingness to follow her own path—sometimes against the tide of political expectation.
