Senate Panel Advances Jeanine Pirro DC U.S. Attorney Nomination Amid Democratic Boycott

President Donald Trump has nominated former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to serve as the permanent U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia following the withdrawal of his first pick, Ed Martin, who faced bipartisan opposition. Pirro, a staunch Trump loyalist and former host of The Five, has been serving in an interim capacity since May and was advanced by the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee in a vote boycotted by Democrats. Democrats, including Sen. Dick Durbin, criticize Pirro as a January 6 insurrection apologist and election denialist who prioritizes loyalty to Trump over the rule of law, while Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Thom Tillis have expressed support, noting her qualifications and management skills. The D.C. U.S. attorney's office holds significant power, especially in prosecuting cases related to the January 6 Capitol attack, which Trump pardoned all defendants for on his first day in office in 2025. With her nomination now set for a full Senate vote, Pirro's confirmation remains contentious amid concerns about her partisan background and the implications for justice in the nation's capital. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated plans to slow Justice Department nominations amid other controversies related to Trump's administration.