Jeanine Pirro, well-known for her time as a Fox News host, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Pirro's addition marks a significant step in a growing trend of media figures joining Trump's administration during his ongoing second term, showcasing his penchant for media-loyal appointments, as The Hill reports.

The new nominee's background includes extensive legal experience, being a former judge and district attorney in Westchester County, New York. Over the past 15 years, she gained a significant profile through her role on Fox News, where she was known for her assertive conservative commentary.

Her involvement in television culminated as a co-host on The Five, which ranks as one of Fox News' highest-rated programs. This media exposure played a crucial role in her new appointment, emphasizing President Trump's strategy of leveraging television fame and conservative credentials in his administration.

Controversial history leads to presidential support

In 2019, Pirro faced backlash and a temporary suspension from Fox after raising questions about the loyalty of Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar to America.

Despite the controversy, Trump publicly supported Pirro, advocating strongly for her reinstatement at Fox News, demonstrating his loyalty to allies.

Trump's support is not just personal but also strategic, viewing Pirro as an instrumental figure to help "clean up" Washington, D.C., and bolster his administration's efforts against crime.

According to a post by Trump on Truth Social, he regards Pirro as "[one of] the top district attorneys in the history of the State of New York," highlighting her qualifications for the D.C. role.

This instance is part of a broader pattern where Trump has consistently shown a preference for appointing television personalities who are openly supportive of his policies and who have used their media presence to cultivate a strong conservative image.

Fox News' influence in administration

The trend of hiring from Fox News does not stop with Pirro. Other notable appointments from the network include Pete Hegseth, now serving as Defense secretary, Sean Duffy as Transportation secretary, and Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI.

Each of these figures brought their media following and conservative credentials to the administration, contributing to a symbiotic relationship between Trump's governance and favored media personalities.

Hegseth, for example, addressed accusations from media and critics during the White House Easter Egg Roll, criticizing the reliance on anonymous sources and vowing to withstand attempts to tarnish his reputation. His remarks underscore the defiance common among Trump's media-savvy team members.

Key roles filled by network alums

Tulsi Gabbard, another notable figure with a Fox News past, was named Director of National Intelligence. Known for her prior criticisms of her former Democratic Party peers and her stance on national security issues, Gabbard's appointment reflects Trump’s strategy of incorporating diverse and media-experienced individuals into high-profile roles.

In March, she emphasized the importance of political impartiality in intelligence, stating on social media that "politically motivated leaks undermine our national security" and declared such actions will not be tolerated under her watch. This demonstrates her commitment to her role despite her controversial past affiliations.

Similarly, Bongino's stance just before Trump's November 2024 victory highlights the administration's critical view of the Department of Justice and the FBI, often accusing them of political bias, particularly favoring Democrats during critical times like elections.

Media synergies emerge

Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, transitioned from Fox News to play pivotal roles in Trump’s campaign and later at the Republican National Committee. Her move shows the fluidity between media roles and political campaigning within Trump's sphere.

Following her campaign work, Lara returned to Fox News to host a prime time show, which President Trump lauded as an indication of her significant influence and credited her contributions to his recent electoral success. This kind of crossover between media and political strategy is increasingly characteristic of Trump’s second term.

This ongoing integration of media personalities into political roles underlines a unique aspect of Trump’s leadership style, wherein loyalty and media savviness are prized attributes that shape his administration's public and operational dynamics.