On June 11, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Judge Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, a decision that has ignited both fervent support and intense opposition. The former Fox News host, known for her outspoken commentary on Justice with Judge Jeanine, was sworn in during a high-profile ceremony in the Oval Office, with Attorney General Pam Bondi administering the oath. Trump hailed Pirro as a “fearless prosecutor” whose experience as a Westchester County district attorney and judge makes her ideal to lead the fight against crime in Washington, D.C. However, her appointment has drawn sharp criticism from detractors who view it as a politically charged move.

Moments after the announcement, Pirro delivered a resolute five-word response to her critics: “I will deliver swift justice.” These words, spoken with her characteristic intensity, set the tone for her tenure as she vowed to tackle rising crime rates and high-profile cases, including the recent murder of two Israeli diplomats in Washington. The killings, which occurred on June 1, 2025, have heightened tensions, and Pirro’s immediate focus on the case underscores her commitment to a tough-on-crime agenda. She stated, “The president and attorney general have signaled that in cases where the death penalty is warranted, we will pursue it. This is a death penalty-eligible case.”

Opposition to Pirro’s appointment was swift and fierce. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and legal scholars, labeled her a “partisan figure” unfit for the role due to her lack of recent prosecutorial experience and her history of promoting controversial narratives on Fox News, including election fraud claims. Posts on X from progressive users decried the appointment as “a MAGA takeover of justice,” with some calling for Senate oversight to block her permanent nomination. One former federal prosecutor noted that while Pirro’s past legal experience is notable, her television persona raises concerns about impartiality in a role requiring nuanced handling of sensitive cases.

Supporters, however, see Pirro as a bold choice to restore order. Conservative commentators on X praised her as a “MAGA warrior” who will “clean up D.C.’s streets.” Senators like Ted Cruz echoed this sentiment, calling her a “proven leader” who will prioritize public safety. Pirro’s allies point to her record of securing convictions as a district attorney, arguing that her outsider perspective will shake up a stagnant system. Her pledge to deliver “swift justice” resonated with those frustrated by rising crime in the capital.

The murder case involving the Israeli diplomats has thrust Pirro into the spotlight. The FBI, in coordination with Israeli authorities, is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism, with no clear motive yet established. Pirro’s assertion that the death penalty is on the table has sparked debate, with human rights groups urging caution and supporters of capital punishment arguing that the crime’s severity justifies extreme measures. The case’s international implications add pressure to Pirro’s early days in office.

As Pirro begins her 120-day interim term, her every move will be scrutinized. Her appointment, made under federal vacancy rules, requires Senate confirmation for permanence, a process likely to face resistance. The clash between her supporters and detractors highlights the polarized state of American politics. Whether Pirro can translate her bold rhetoric into effective leadership remains to be seen, but her five-word mantra signals an unyielding approach to a role fraught with challenges.