In a jaw-dropping moment on May 11, 2025, Fox News host Jesse Watters stunned viewers by calling for the removal of Jeanine Pirro, his colleague and newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, from her prestigious judicial role. The explosive on-air clash, which erupted during a heated segment on The Five, left co-hosts and audiences speechless, sparking a firestorm of speculation about Pirro’s future at Fox News and in Washington, D.C. Watters’ shocking accusation has ignited debates across social media, with many questioning whether this marks the end of Pirro’s tenure on the show.
The confrontation began when Watters challenged Pirro’s recent appointment by President Donald Trump, announced on May 9, 2025, to replace Edward Martin as interim U.S. Attorney. Watters, known for his provocative commentary, accused Pirro of lacking the impartiality required for the role, citing her history of spreading election fraud claims on Fox News. “Jeanine, you’re a lightning rod,” Watters said. “Your Fox rants about rigged elections got the network sued for millions. How can D.C. trust you to uphold justice?” The accusation referenced the 2023 Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit, where Pirro’s show was implicated in spreading false 2020 election claims, costing Fox $787 million.
Pirro, visibly taken aback, fired back, defending her prosecutorial record as Westchester County’s District Attorney from 1994 to 2005. “Jesse, I built the first domestic violence unit in the nation. I’ve tried real cases, not just preached on TV like you,” she snapped. The exchange escalated as Watters doubled down, suggesting her Fox News persona—marked by fiery monologues on Justice with Judge Jeanine—made her unfit for a role demanding neutrality. “D.C. needs a prosecutor, not a pundit,” he said, prompting gasps from co-hosts Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld.
The clash has fueled intense reactions on X, where #JeanineVsJesse trended for hours. Supporters of Watters argue he’s exposing political cronyism, with one user posting, “Jesse’s right—Pirro’s too divisive for D.C.” Meanwhile, Pirro’s fans, loyal to her MAGA-aligned rhetoric, called Watters’ attack a betrayal. “He’s jealous of her power move!” one X post read. The drama has raised questions about Pirro’s dual roles, as she agreed to wind down her Fox News career to take the interim position, which lasts 120 days unless Senate-confirmed.
Critics of Pirro’s appointment, including Maryland Democrat Glenn Ivey, echo Watters’ concerns, arguing her history of promoting conspiracy theories undermines the U.S. Attorney’s office, which handles high-stakes cases like January 6 prosecutions. However, Trump praised Pirro’s credentials, calling her “one of the top District Attorneys in New York history.” Watters’ public call for her removal has put Fox News in a delicate position, as the network navigates internal tensions while covering Trump’s controversial picks.
This isn’t the first time Watters and Pirro have clashed. In April 2025, Pirro challenged Watters’ bizarre claim that desk jobs “make you a woman,” showcasing their differing styles. Now, with Watters’ accusation reverberating, speculation swirls about Pirro’s future on The Five. Some insiders suggest Fox may sideline her to avoid further controversy, while others believe her loyal fanbase ensures her staying power. As the dust settles, this shocking confrontation has exposed fault lines at Fox and in Trump’s inner circle, leaving everyone wondering: Is this the end for Pirro?
