Fox News Stars Find New Roles in Trump's Administration

Jeanine Pirro, a well-known face from Fox News' "The Five, " has found herself in a new role. Before the presidential inauguration, she was seen at a celebratory event with Donald Trump Jr. Rumors flew when a Trump official hinted at a big announcement, but Pirro quickly denied any plans to join the administration. Pirro's name resurfaced when Trump appointed her as the acting U. S. attorney for Washington, D. C. This move replaced Ed Martin, whose confirmation hit roadblocks with both Republicans and Democrats. Trump highlighted Pirro's work on "The Five, " one of the most-watched shows on television. This isn't an isolated incident. Many Fox News personalities have transitioned into high-ranking positions in the Trump administration. From the director of national intelligence to the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the influence of Fox News is evident. Even the ambassador to Israel and the nominee for ambassador to Greece have ties to the network. The connections don't stop at the political appointments. Some of these figures have personal ties as well. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, both former Fox hosts, met their wives at the network. Duffy's wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is a host on Hegseth's former show, adding another layer to their intertwined careers. Pirro's journey to Fox News began after a stint as a county judge and district attorney. She left lawyering for the studio decades ago. Her friendship with Trump dates back to his real estate days in New York City. Trump even supported her unsuccessful Senate bid in 2006. After a reality courtroom show, she landed a weekend program on Fox, where she became known for her tough stance on crime and broader political commentary. During Trump's first term, Pirro was vocal, calling for the jailing of FBI and Justice Department staffers and defending Trump during his impeachment trials. She faced controversy in 2019 when she was suspended for comments about Rep. Ilhan Omar's hijab, suggesting an adherence to sharia law. This incident highlighted the fine line Fox News stars often walk between entertainment and politics. Pirro's involvement in election conspiracy theories also drew criticism. After Joe Biden's victory, she amplified false claims about election rigging. Her weekend show was temporarily pulled, and she was later sued for defamation along with other Fox hosts by Dominion Voting Systems. The network settled the case for $787. 5 million. Pirro's role in the events leading up to January 6, 2021, is also noteworthy. She frequently discussed the importance of that date, comparing protesters to Revolutionary War soldiers. After the Capitol siege, Trump granted clemency to the insurrectionists and appointed Martin as acting U. S. attorney. Martin's controversial past led to his nomination being blocked, paving the way for Pirro's appointment.