Former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro declined an offer to serve as deputy director of the FBI under Kash Patel late last year, citing no interest in working for him, which led to her eventual appointment as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

According to a Daily Mail Online report, Pirro's decision risked upsetting President Trump, as two administration sources revealed to The New York Times that she explicitly avoided the position due to Patel's involvement. The role she rejected was later filled by Dan Bongino, a podcaster and ex-Secret Service agent known for promoting MAGA conspiracy theories.

Pirro stepped in as interim U.S. attorney for D.C. in May after Trump's initial pick, Ed Martin—a conservative activist and defender of January 6 rioters—failed to gain sufficient Senate Republican support for confirmation. By August 3, she was sworn into the permanent role, focusing on implementing Trump's crime policies in the capital.

Pirro Snubs Patel Amid Criticism

Kash Patel's appointment as FBI director faced backlash due to his limited legal background and vocal skepticism toward the agency, prompting concerns about his suitability for overseeing federal investigations. This criticism highlighted broader debates within the administration about aligning key positions with Trump's loyalists despite qualifications.

In the interim, Patel and his deputy Bongino encountered significant pressure after Attorney General Pam Bondi decided against releasing the Epstein files, compounded by numerous staff departures from the FBI. These developments underscored tensions in the agency's leadership under the new administration.

Pirro, known for her fiery style, has actively supported Trump's initiative to deploy the National Guard and federalize D.C. police in response to rising crime rates. She described the situation as out of control, emphasizing the need for stricter measures against violent offenders.

Trump Backs Pirro's Crime Crackdown

President Trump announced the D.C. takeover following an incident where 19-year-old Edward Coristine, a DOGE worker nicknamed "Big Balls" by peers, was severely beaten by thugs in the city. Trump shared a photo of the alleged victim to highlight the urgency of addressing urban violence.

Pirro stood alongside Trump this week, praising the plan and stating that violent crimes by young gangs required immediate intervention to protect residents. She told Fox News that changes to laws and judicial approaches were essential to combat what she called liberal influences enabling such acts.

Her jurisdiction as U.S. attorney covers critical areas including national security cases, public corruption probes, violent crimes, and drug trafficking, given D.C.'s role as home to most government agency headquarters. This makes her position one of the most powerful in influencing federal prosecutions nationwide.

Republicans Defend Pirro Nomination

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley praised Pirro's nomination on the Senate floor, acknowledging her larger-than-life personality from her TV days while highlighting her extensive record as a prosecutor and judge. He noted that her interim performance had been widely heralded, countering Democratic criticisms of her past colorful remarks.

Grassley anticipated attacks from Democrats on Pirro's media history but emphasized her decades of experience, stating that D.C. was fortunate to have her in the role. Republicans rallied to support her confirmation, framing her as a strong fit for Trump's law-and-order agenda.

Pirro began her career as a New York City lawyer specializing in sexual offenses against women and children, rising as a political moderate before her 1993 election as Westchester County district attorney as a Republican. She later transitioned to Fox News, where she earned up to $3 million annually as a commentator on "The Five," though she faced a 2019 suspension for comments suggesting Rep. Ilhan Omar's hijab was un-American.

Pirro's Path Forward in D.C.

Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and Fox News personality, rejected a deputy FBI position under Kash Patel due to disinterest in collaborating with him, before being appointed as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to advance Trump's policies. This move occurred amid Patel's controversial FBI leadership and followed the failed nomination of Ed Martin, with Pirro sworn in permanently on August 3.

Pirro's actions stem from her alignment with Trump's crime-fighting priorities in D.C., where she aims to tackle violent gangs and overhaul liberal-leaning laws and judges. The appointments reflect ongoing administration efforts to place loyal figures in key justice roles despite criticisms of their experience levels.

Looking ahead, Pirro is expected to handle high-profile cases in national security and corruption from her influential D.C. post, potentially reshaping federal enforcement in the capital. Her role may face continued scrutiny from Democrats, while Republicans anticipate her to deliver on promises of stricter crime control amid agency pressures like those on Patel and Bongino.