CAIR Urges President Trump to Withdraw Jeanine Pirro’s Appointment as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C.
Muslim Civil Rights Group Cites History of Anti-Muslim Rhetoric in Call for Reversal
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has called on President Donald Trump to rescind his appointment of Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. The announcement, made Monday, comes as Pirro prepares to assume one of the country's most influential federal prosecutorial roles, following her selection last week for a 120-day interim term.
CAIR’s statement raises concerns about Pirro’s public record, citing repeated instances of anti-Muslim remarks and questioning her ability to provide equal justice for all communities. The organization’s appeal underscores the broader debate over the qualifications and impartiality of presidential appointees to top law enforcement positions.
CAIR’s Objection: “A Clear History of Bigotry and Bias”
CAIR’s leadership issued a direct statement urging President Trump to reconsider the appointment. The group described Pirro as an “infamous anti-Muslim bigot”. It argued that her elevation to a top federal law enforcement post “calls into question the application of equal justice to members of minority communities”.
“Appointing an infamous anti-Muslim bigot like Jeanine Pirro to one of the nation’s top federal law enforcement posts calls into question the application of equal justice to members of minority communities. We urge President Trump to rescind her appointment and instead nominate someone without such a clear history of bigotry and bias,” CAIR stated in its official press release.
CAIR’s statement referenced a profile by Georgetown University’s Bridge Initiative, which documented Pirro’s repeated use of her media platform to “promote misinformation about Muslims and Islam by advancing anti-Muslim tropes such as the belief that Islam is uniquely tied to terrorism”.
Background: Pirro’s Public Record and Previous Controversies
Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and district attorney in New York, is best known for her tenure as a Fox News host. Her selection as interim U.S. attorney for D.C. follows the withdrawal of Ed Martin’s nomination after Senate opposition. President Trump praised Pirro’s prosecutorial experience and loyalty, stating, “She is in a class by herself”.
However, Pirro’s public statements have drawn widespread criticism. In March 2019, she questioned the patriotism of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) because Omar decided to wear a hijab, asking on air, “Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to sharia law, which in itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?”. The remarks led to a rare public rebuke from Fox News, a three-week suspension from the network, and a boycott by several advertisers.
“We strongly condemn Jeanine Pirro’s comments about Rep. Ilhan Omar,” Fox News stated at the time. “They do not reflect those of the network, and we have addressed the matter with her directly”.
Pirro did not apologize, later stating, “I intended to ask a question and start a debate, but of course, because one is Muslim does not mean you don’t support the Constitution”.
Legal and Political Implications
Pirro’s appointment comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the Trump administration’s use of interim appointments to bypass Senate confirmation. Legal experts have questioned whether the president can repeatedly appoint interim U.S. attorneys without Senate approval, potentially undermining the checks and balances intended by Congress. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that Democrats would investigate the legality of Pirro’s appointment, calling it “an untested and unprecedented application of the interim appointment authority that contradicts congressional intent”.
The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia is uniquely powerful, responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and serious local offenses in the nation’s capital. The office, which employs over 330 assistant U.S. attorneys, handles some of the most high-profile and sensitive cases in the country.
Broader Community Concerns
The Muslim American community and civil rights groups have expressed alarm over Pirro’s appointment, pointing to a broader pattern of Islamophobic rhetoric in public discourse and policy. CAIR emphasized its solidarity with all groups facing discrimination, stating, “Washington, D.C.-based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry”.
Pirro’s previous comments have been cited in academic and advocacy reports as examples of media figures perpetuating negative stereotypes about Muslims, contributing to a climate of discrimination and mistrust. Her suggestion that “we need to kill them [Muslims]” and her questioning of Muslim Americans’ loyalty have been widely condemned by civil rights organizations.
White House and Justice Department Response
The Trump administration has defended Pirro’s qualifications, highlighting her experience as a prosecutor and judge. In announcing her appointment, the White House described her as “exceptionally qualified for this role.” Attorney General Pam Bondi called her “a fearless advocate for the rule of law”. Fox News also praised Pirro as a “longtime beloved personality” who contributed significantly to the network during her 14-year tenure.
Pirro’s supporters argue that her prosecutorial background and media presence make her well-suited for the interim role. Critics, however, warn that her appointment could undermine public trust in the impartiality and fairness of the U.S. attorney’s office, especially among minority communities in Washington, D.C.
Legal Uncertainty and Potential Challenges
The legality of Pirro’s appointment could face judicial scrutiny. Federal law allows for a 120-day interim appointment by the president, after which a federal court may appoint a replacement if the Senate has not confirmed a nominee. Legal analysts note that if Pirro’s appointment is found invalid, it could jeopardize criminal cases she oversees. Conversely, if upheld, it could set a precedent allowing presidents to bypass Senate confirmation for U.S. attorneys by making successive interim appointments.
Future Outlook
As Jeanine Pirro prepares to be sworn in as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, CAIR’s call for removal has intensified debate over the standards and accountability for federal law enforcement appointments. The outcome of this controversy may have lasting implications for public trust in the justice system and the treatment of minority communities by federal prosecutors.
CAIR and allied organizations have pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for appointments that reflect the values of fairness, impartiality, and respect for all Americans. The White House has not indicated any plans to reconsider Pirro’s appointment.
“Appointing an infamous anti-Muslim bigot like Jeanine Pirro to one of the nation’s top federal law enforcement posts calls into question the application of equal justice to members of minority communities. We urge President Trump to rescind her appointment and instead nominate someone without such a clear history of bigotry and bias.”
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Official Statement