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Jeanine Pirro has established herself as a significant figure in both the legal and media landscapes for many years. She is well-known for her incisive commentary, assertive views, and a remarkable series of career advancements. Her journey began when she made history as Westchester County’s first female district attorney, and she has since transitioned into a prominent role on Fox News. Recently, she garnered attention when President Donald Trump appointed her as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., marking a significant moment in her return to public service, which highlights her enduring influence in the legal community.
Here are five essential insights about the life and career of the former judge, Jeanine Pirro.
1. Jeanine Pirro’s Trailblazing Career as a Judge and Prosecutor
In 1990, Jeanine Pirro achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female judge elected to the Westchester County Court. Her remarkable journey continued when she made further history as the first female District Attorney of Westchester County three years later. Jeanine specialized in domestic abuse cases and quickly became a well-known figure in New York due to her vigorous prosecution strategies. Her prominence skyrocketed during the high-profile O.J. Simpson murder trial, as she made guest appearances on programs like Nightline and Larry King Live, showcasing her legal acumen and media presence.
2. Jeanine Pirro’s Political Aspirations and Challenges
Jeanine Pirro ventured into the political arena by seeking the Republican nomination in 2006 to challenge Hillary Clinton for her New York U.S. Senate seat. Notably, Donald Trump supported her campaign financially. However, she ultimately withdrew from the Senate race to pursue the position of Attorney General of New York during the same election cycle. Unfortunately, she lost to Democrat Andrew Cuomo, illustrating the competitive nature of New York politics and the challenges she faced in her political endeavors.
3. The Legal Troubles of Jeanine Pirro’s Ex-Husband, Albert Pirro
Jeanine Pirro was married to Albert Pirro, a prominent attorney and businessman in Westchester County, from 1975 until their divorce in 2013. Albert’s legal troubles surfaced in 2000 when he was convicted on multiple counts of tax fraud and conspiracy. He misappropriated over $1 million in corporate funds for personal expenses, including luxury vehicles and a vacation home, leading to a sentence of 29 months in federal prison, of which he served 11 months before early release. Jeanine publicly supported Albert during the trial, but later described the entire experience as a profoundly challenging period in her life.
4. Jeanine Pirro’s Journey in Daytime Television
In 2008, Jeanine Pirro launched her own daytime TV show titled Judge Jeanine Pirro, which aired on CW stations nationwide. The program ran until 2011 when it was ultimately canceled due to low ratings. Despite its cancellation, the show received recognition in the form of a Daytime Emmy Award in 2010, highlighting Jeanine’s ability to connect with audiences and her talent in the television industry.
5. Jeanine Pirro’s Ambitions for the Attorney General Position
Jeanine Pirro has maintained a long-standing relationship with Donald Trump, often appearing on her Fox News program, Justice with Judge Jeanine. In June 2018, Politico reported that she was actively lobbying Trump to appoint her as Attorney General, aiming to succeed the then-embattled AG Jeff Sessions. Reports indicated that Pirro had been advocating for this role for over 18 months, although insiders suggested that her chances of being appointed were slim. Although she did not secure the Attorney General position, Trump appointed her in May 2025 as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, marking a significant comeback in her legal career.
