Major Controversies Surrounding Jeanine Pirro: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Jeanine Pirro.

Jeanine Pirro is an American television host, lawyer, and author. She has served as the United States attorney for the District of Columbia since May 2025. Previously, Pirro was a judge, prosecutor, and politician in New York State, gaining prominence in law and politics before transitioning to television.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1990: False Conviction of Jeffrey Deskovic

In 1990, Jeffrey Deskovic was falsely convicted of killing Angela Correa, during Jeanine Pirro's tenure as district attorney. She refused to reopen the case.

2009: Pirro claimed ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was released by Obama

In 2009, Jeanine Pirro claimed that ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "released by Obama." However, Baghdadi was held in custody until 2004, when he was released under the Bush administration.

2014: Pirro Called for Obama's Impeachment

In 2014, Jeanine Pirro called for the impeachment of Barack Obama over the 2012 Benghazi attack.

2017: Pirro Called for Arrest of Individuals Involved in Mueller Investigation

In 2017, Jeanine Pirro called for the arrest of individuals who cooperated with special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

February 2018: False assertion in "Liars, Leakers, and Liberals"

In February 2018, Jeanine Pirro made a false assertion in the book "Liars, Leakers, and Liberals", that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had announced that the Russia collusion investigation is over.

Liars, Leakers, and Liberals: The Case Against the Anti-Trump Conspiracy

Check it on Amazon

February 2018: Pirro Blamed Obama's Policies for Domestic Abuse Scandals

In February 2018, after two senior Trump administration officials resigned due to domestic abuse allegations, Jeanine Pirro suggested that Barack Obama's policies were to blame for the two domestic abuse scandals.

June 2018: Pirro Supported Trump's Pardon of Dinesh D'Souza

In June 2018, Jeanine Pirro supported Donald Trump's pardon of conservative activist Dinesh D'Souza, who was convicted of "illegal campaign contributions", as she believed D'Souza was prosecuted for his politics due to his political documentary movies. Pirro had also referred to Attorney General Jeff Sessions as "the most dangerous man in America."

March 2019: Pirro Criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar

In March 2019, Jeanine Pirro criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar on her show "Justice with Judge Jeanine," questioning Omar's loyalty to the US based on her Muslim faith. Fox News condemned Pirro's statement, leading to a temporary suspension of her show.

March 16, 2019: Fox News Decided not to air Pirro's Show

On March 16, 2019, Fox News chose not to air Jeanine Pirro's show in response to her controversial comments, replacing it with a Scandalous rebroadcast in its place.

December 2020: Pirro Promoted Baseless Allegations of Voting Machine Fraud

In December 2020, after the 2020 United States presidential election, Jeanine Pirro promoted baseless allegations of voting machine fraud on her program, which allegedly stole the election from Donald Trump. Smartmatic demanded retractions from Fox News.

2020: Made False Claims of Voting Machine Fraud

Following the 2020 presidential election, Jeanine Pirro made false claims of voting machine fraud.

February 4, 2021: Pirro Named in Smartmatic Defamation Lawsuit

On February 4, 2021, Jeanine Pirro was named in the complaint "Smartmatic Files $2.7 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox Corporation" for spreading false information about the company.

February 2021: Smartmatic Defamation Suit

In February 2021, Jeanine Pirro was among Fox News employees named in a Smartmatic defamation suit. The lawsuit was regarding Pirro's baseless claims about voting machine fraud.

February 2021: Named as defendant in Smartmatic defamation lawsuit

In February 2021, Jeanine Pirro was named as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit by Smartmatic, related to broadcasting false statements about voting machines.

March 2022: Pirro Dismissed From Smartmatic Lawsuit

In March 2022, a judge dismissed Jeanine Pirro from the Smartmatic defamation suit. The lawsuit was regarding Pirro's baseless claims about voting machine fraud.

February 2023: Appeals Court Reinstated Pirro in Smartmatic Lawsuit

In February 2023, an appeals court reinstated Jeanine Pirro as a defendant in the Smartmatic defamation suit. The lawsuit was regarding Pirro's baseless claims about voting machine fraud.