WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin sharply criticized Jeanine Pirro’s nomination to become U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, citing her public support for January 6 rioters and promotion of false election claims as disqualifying for the top federal law enforcement role in the nation’s capital.
In a statement released Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter), Durbin said he met with Pirro as part of a routine courtesy meeting but came away “deeply troubled” by her record.
“She’s a January 6 apologist, siding with violent insurrectionists over law enforcement,” Durbin wrote, accusing Pirro of backing criminal charges against federal prosecutors handling cases tied to the Capitol attack.
Durbin, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, also condemned Pirro for repeating false claims that the 2020 election was stolen — a stance that even her own network, Fox News, reportedly cautioned her against. “She’s an election denialist, recklessly peddling President Trump’s Big Lie,” he said.
The Illinois Democrat further described Pirro as a “Donald Trump loyalist,” saying she has shown “no willingness to put the rule of law ahead of the President’s wishes.” He compared her to a failed predecessor, Ed Martin, and said he remains unconvinced Pirro would act independently if confirmed.
Durbin concluded by urging Republicans to reject the nomination. “I implore my Republican colleagues to hold a high bar for the top law enforcement officer in our nation’s capital—and reject this nomination,” he said.