Senate Republicans have moved forward with the nomination of Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, amidst significant political controversy and opposition from Democrats.
Senate Judiciary Republicans Advance Jeanine Pirro’s Nomination as U.S. Attorney
On Thursday, Senate Republicans on the Judiciary Committee voted in favor of former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to serve as the permanent U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.
Democratic Walkout
This vote took place without any Democratic members present, who staged a walkout as Chairman Chuck Grassley moved to vote on a series of judicial appointments. Democrats primarily focused on the nomination of Emil Bove, who represented Trump in his New York criminal case and later served as acting deputy attorney general, for an appellate judge position.
Trump’s Support for Pirro
Trump appointed Pirro as acting U.S. attorney in May, marking another Fox News figure in his administration. She has been a staunch defender of the president on Fox News’ The Five, the highest-rated show on cable news.
“Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position and is considered one of the top district attorneys in the history of New York. She is in a class by herself,” Trump stated on Truth Social when announcing her selection.
Democratic Opposition
Democrats are expected to oppose her nomination. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the ranking member, criticized Pirro on X, labeling her a “January 6 apologist” who supported insurrectionists over law enforcement. He also described her as an election denialist, recklessly promoting Trump’s falsehoods.
Durbin warned that Pirro would act as a “Trump loyalist,” attacking political opponents and disregarding the rule of law.
Republican Support
Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), praised Pirro, asserting she would prioritize reducing crime in the nation’s capital.
Legal Actions by Pirro
This week, Pirro initiated a lawsuit against three board members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, alleging they continued to serve despite being fired by Trump.
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The CPB contested Trump’s dismissals of Tom Rothman, Laura Ross, and Diane Kaplan. A federal judge denied the CPB’s request to block Trump’s firings but noted that the corporation had amended its bylaws to limit the president’s authority.
On X, Pirro stated, “The President legally removed three board members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. They sued to stay. The court ruled against them, yet they ignored the court decision. It’s time for them to go!”
Democratic Concerns Over GOP Actions
Democrats argue that the GOP is hastily confirming Bove amid claims from former DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni that Bove suggested defying court orders in immigration cases. They also questioned Bove’s involvement in the DOJ’s scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein case, which led to a denial of the existence of a client list.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) challenged Grassley, stating, “If you want to force this through, there is a way to do it in accordance with the rules.”
Grassley’s Response
Grassley concluded the hearing by stating, “What happened here today is no different than when Democrats cut off debate on past judicial appointments when they were in the majority. This is not unprecedented; it has happened before, and we need to move things along.”
