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, currently serving as the United States attorney for the District of Columbia since May 2025. Prior to her current role, Pirro had a career as a judge, prosecutor, and politician in New York State. She's a prominent figure in media and law.

Sections (6)

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

2009: Incorrect claim about al-Baghdadi release date

In 2014, Jeanine Pirro incorrectly claimed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was released in 2009 by Barack Obama.

2014: Call for Obama Impeachment

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

2014: Pirro's Claim About al-Baghdadi

In 2014, Jeanine Pirro falsely claimed that ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "released by Obama in 2009."

November 2017: Charged with Speeding

In November 2017, Jeanine Pirro was charged with speeding for driving 119 miles per hour in upstate New York.

2017: Pirro Calls for Arrests in Mueller Investigation

In 2017, Jeanine Pirro called for the arrest of individuals cooperating with Robert S. Mueller III's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, advocating for a "cleansing" of government agencies and the arrest of critics of President Trump.

February 2018: Pirro Blames Obama for Domestic Abuse Scandals

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

March 2019: Controversy Over Comments About Ilhan Omar

In March 2019, Jeanine Pirro criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar on her show, "Justice with Judge Jeanine Pirro," for questioning the loyalty of American Jews to the U.S., suggesting Omar's Muslim faith made her more loyal to Sharia law. Pirro questioned Omar's adherence to Islamic doctrine. Fox News condemned Pirro's statement.

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March 16, 2019: Fox News Pulls Pirro's Show

On March 16, 2019, Fox News decided not to air Jeanine Pirro's show, replacing it with a rebroadcast of a "Scandalous" episode in its time slot, following controversial comments Pirro made about Ilhan Omar.

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February 2020: Prediction of Democratic Losses Due to Impeachment

In February 2020, Jeanine Pirro predicted that the impeachment of Donald Trump would be so unpopular that Democrats would lose their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2020 elections, a prediction that Politico later named as one of the most incorrect of the year.

March 2020: Hosting Show from Home Amidst Pandemic

In March 2020, Jeanine Pirro hosted her show from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She experienced "technical difficulties" for the first 15 minutes, appearing in a disheveled state and slurring her speech, leading to speculation about possible inebriation. She was also seen putting aside a drink with a straw during a commercial break.

December 2020: Promotion of Baseless Voting Fraud Allegations

Following the 2020 United States presidential election, in December 2020, Jeanine Pirro promoted baseless allegations of voting machine fraud on her program, claiming the election was stolen from Donald Trump.

February 4, 2021: Smartmatic Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox Corporation

On February 4, 2021, Pirro was named in the complaint "Smartmatic Files $2.7 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox Corporation", claiming that "Fox News’ disinformation campaign had a direct and harmful impact on Smartmatic's ability to conduct business in the United States and around the world".

February 2021: Smartmatic Defamation Suit Names Pirro

In February 2021, Jeanine Pirro was among the Fox News employees named in a Smartmatic defamation suit for promoting false information about the 2020 election.

February 2023: Pirro Reinstated in Smartmatic Suit

In February 2023, an appeals court reinstated Jeanine Pirro as a defendant in the Smartmatic defamation suit.

January 9, 2026: Office serves Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas

On January 9, 2026 Jeanine Pirro's office served the Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas, threatening a criminal indictment related to the testimony of Jerome Powell before the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025.