Senate Advances Jeanine Pirro Toward Permanent Role as D.C. U.S. Attorney Despite Protests

On Thursday, the Senate took a key step in confirming Jeanine Pirro as the permanent U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, following a contentious process marked by partisan division and public protests.

Pirro’s nomination, originally stalled due to a walkout by Democrats protesting another Trump nominee, was revived when the Senate Judiciary Committee held a re-vote. The committee, dominated by Republicans, approved her nomination along party lines with a 12–10 vote, according to the Washington Examiner.

The confirmation process has been anything but smooth. Demonstrators disrupted Thursday’s committee meeting, loudly objecting to Pirro’s appointment and claiming that none of the senators represented the views of Washington, D.C. residents — the vast majority of whom are registered Democrats. As Politico noted, the city’s unique status means it lacks official Senate representation, making traditional “blue slip” objections by home-state senators inapplicable.

Pirro has been serving as acting U.S. Attorney since May, stepping in after Trump’s original nominee, Ed Martin, lost Republican support over his controversial comments on the January 6 Capitol riot. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) openly opposed Martin, effectively blocking his confirmation.

At her swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, Pirro vowed to restore law and order in the capital. “There will be no tolerance for violence or hatred,” she declared. “Washington, D.C. will once again stand as a beacon in an America committed to safety and greatness.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath, while President Trump and several administration officials looked on. Trump praised Pirro’s legal and media accomplishments, citing her long tenure at Fox News.

Since taking office, Pirro has already overseen several major cases, including federal convictions for kidnapping, fentanyl trafficking, and weapons possession. She has also pledged swift justice following the fatal shootings of Israeli embassy staff in D.C., promising accountability for what she called “cold-blooded murder.”

Pirro previously served as a prosecutor and judge in New York, becoming the first woman to serve as a Westchester County Court judge before launching a 14-year career in television.