Jeanine Pirro, a former television personality and longtime supporter of Donald Trump, has taken over one of the nation’s most prominent federal prosecutor posts in Washington, D.C.

According to CNN, Pirro was sworn in Wednesday as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, filling a vacancy left by Ed Martin after a tumultuous tenure marred by political controversy and public backlash.

Pirro’s appointment comes at a time of intense scrutiny for the U.S. attorney’s office, which handles many of the country’s most politically sensitive cases. She brings judicial and prosecutorial experience from her time in Westchester County, New York, though she has not served in a legal role since 2005.

While officials in the D.C. office expressed concern over Pirro’s past as a combative television figure, some welcomed the change as a potential reset after months of internal disruption. One employee described Martin’s exit and Pirro’s arrival as merely a change in figurehead, saying, “We’re swapping a man for a woman, nothing more.”

Pirro Takes Over After Controversial Exit

Martin’s time as acting U.S. attorney drew criticism across Capitol Hill. His nomination was ultimately withdrawn following a series of inflammatory public statements and actions many considered undermining the rule of law.

Among the most controversial incidents was Martin’s refusal to denounce violence during the January 6 Capitol riot. He also praised a figure accused of being a Nazi sympathizer and made disparaging remarks about law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol that day.

Employees said Martin’s rhetoric compromised the effectiveness of the office. His public persona, rather than the legal work, often became the dominant topic. Some prosecutors felt his words distracted from their duties, and it was hard to move forward with cases without addressing his bombastic commentary.

Reactions Within the Prosecutor's Office

Following Pirro’s swearing-in, a staff member commented that anything would be a step up from the last several months. “Hopefully Thursday will be better than the past four months,” the individual said, reflecting on Martin’s impact.

Nonetheless, doubts remain. Several within the office pointed to Pirro’s long-running allegiance to former President Trump as a possible issue in maintaining public trust in the office’s impartiality. Though she previously served as a district attorney and judge, her last judicial position ended nearly two decades ago.

There were also jokes among the staff about whether Pirro would treat the role as simply another stage for her television career, perhaps giving prosecutors more room to work quietly in her absence. A number of attorneys expressed cautious optimism that she might at least stay out of everyday staff operations.

Martin Shifts Focus to DOJ Group

Though no longer leading the D.C. office, Martin quickly stepped into another influential role. At a press conference on Tuesday, a day before Pirro took office, Martin announced he would now chair the Department of Justice’s Weaponization Working Group.

According to Martin, the initiative will focus on examining actions taken by law enforcement under President Joe Biden, with an emphasis on episodes he says reflect political bias. His stated goal is to publicly hold accountable those he views as perpetrators of institutional injustice, regardless of whether legal charges are applicable.

“There are some really bad actors, some people that did some really bad things to the American people, and if they can be charged, we’ll charge them,” Martin said. He continued, “We will name them… there should be people that are shamed.”

Legal Tensions and Congressional Scrutiny

Martin’s new role and statements have drawn significant attention, including from legal representatives involved in related investigations. His comments sparked concern among defense counsel and legislators monitoring the group’s influence.

One flashpoint this week involved former special counsel prosecutor Jay Bratt, who invoked his Fifth Amendment right during testimony to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. The move suggested heightened legal stakes in the ongoing probes tied to Martin’s group’s focus areas.

Among the investigations Martin identified for initial review are the indictments led by special counsel Jack Smith, actions by New York Attorney General Letitia James, prosecutions tied to the January 6 insurrection, and what Martin called unjust targeting of Catholic individuals by federal authorities.

Future Uncertain for D.C. Prosecutor’s Office

Pirro’s reception appears to be set against a backdrop of skepticism. Despite providing substantial law experience from earlier in her career, her re-entry at such a high-profile level after years in the media has left some questioning the DOJ's intentions.

Still, even critics of her appointment admit it may offer a reprieve from months of turbulence. “The rest is the same,” said one staff member about the change in leadership, “but at least the spotlight might shift.”

With Pirro now heading the D.C. office, attention remains on how she will balance prosecutorial responsibilities with the political pressures tied to her public persona and past affiliations. Her ability to remain above the political fray may define her success in the role.