Trump Replaces Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin with Jeanine Pirro
By Alan He and Kaia Hubbard
Change in U.S. Attorney Appointment
In a significant shift, President Trump has declared that Jeanine Pirro will take over as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, following the controversial interim appointment of Ed Martin. This decision comes after concerns about Martin’s support in the Senate jeopardized his confirmation.
Senate Opposition and Concerns
Addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Trump expressed disappointment over Martin’s prospects, stating, “He wasn’t rejected, but we felt it would be very, it would be hard.” He mentioned plans to find another role for Martin within the Justice Department.
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, publicly announced his intention to oppose Martin’s nomination, citing concerns linked to the January 6 Capitol riot. “I have no tolerance for anybody who entered the building on Jan. 6, and that’s probably where most of the friction was,” Tillis remarked. His stance highlighted the precarious position Martin held regarding Senate approval.
Upcoming Announcement
President Trump indicated that an upcoming announcement regarding a new appointment would occur within two days, aiming for someone who could effectively navigate the challenges faced by Martin. “We have somebody else that we’ll be announcing over the next two days who’s going to be great,” Trump added.
Interim Role and Judicial Actions
As interim U.S. Attorney, Martin has overseen significant prosecutorial actions, including a purge of attorneys involved in cases related to the events of January 6. His previous engagement as a “Stop the Steal” activist drew both support and strong criticism, particularly when linked to his role in an area so closely associated with that date.