The appointment was announced by former President Donald Trump on his social media platform, where he praised Pirro for her extensive legal background and past accomplishments. Pirro, who is well known to the public through her work as a co-host on the Fox News panel show The Five, is also a former judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York. Trump described her as “incredibly well qualified” and “in a class by herself,” citing her reputation as one of the top legal minds to have served in public office in New York.

Fox News, Pirro’s long-time employer, acknowledged her departure and released a statement thanking her for her 14 years of contributions to the network. “Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington,” a spokesperson for the network said.

Pirro’s appointment comes after a delay in the confirmation of the previous interim nominee, Ed Martin. Martin’s nomination had been under review but faced resistance from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. One of the leading voices in opposition, Republican Senator Thom Tillis, raised concerns about Martin’s views on the events of January 6, 2021. Tillis stated that while he appreciated some of Martin’s perspectives, particularly regarding potential over-prosecution in certain cases, he ultimately did not feel confident supporting the nomination.