Summary of "Trump Nominates 'Reckless Maniac' for District Attorney in DC" - Bulwark Takes
Release Date: May 9, 2025
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Tim Miller and featuring insights from The Bulwark team, the discussion centers around former President Donald Trump's controversial nomination of Jeanine Pirro—referred to derogatorily as “Judge Box of Wine”—for the position of U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C. The episode delves into Pirro’s background, her questionable qualifications, and the broader implications of her nomination for the integrity of the justice system.
1. Introduction to the Nomination
Tim Miller opens the discussion with breaking news about Donald Trump's nomination of Jeanine Pirro:
“Donald Trump has named Jeanine Pirro, otherwise known as Judge Box of Wine.” [00:00]
This immediate introduction sets a critical tone, highlighting the unexpected and contentious nature of the nomination.
2. Jeanine Pirro’s Controversial Background
The conversation quickly shifts to evaluate Pirro’s credentials and history:
Tim Miller criticizes Pirro’s lack of recent legal practice and her track record in media:
“She has not practiced law in many, many years. In a couple decades, I don't believe. I guess coming up on that 2005 campaign would have been the last time she actually practiced law.” [02:00]
Further scrutiny is directed at her tenure at Fox News:
“Since she's been on Fox, she has been utterly irresponsible.” [02:40]
Pirro’s involvement in the “Stop the Steal” movement and her propagation of election conspiracy theories are highlighted as significant concerns:
“She was one of the most ostentatious promoters of the Stop the Steal effort, talking about how the election was stolen, making up lies about the 2020 election.” [02:31]
3. Internal Criticism and Professionalism
The episode references internal communications from Fox News that condemn Pirro’s behavior:
Tim Miller cites statements from Fox executives who deemed Pirro too extreme for the network:
“Justin Wells, who's Tucker Carlson's producer, wrote that they took her off because she was being crazy. Optics are bad, but she is crazy.” [02:50]
These admissions underscore the depth of concern within Fox regarding Pirro’s suitability for a significant public role.
4. Public Statements and Extreme Views
Pirro’s radical statements about the FBI and Department of Justice are examined in detail:
“There is a cleansing needed in our FBI and Department of Justice. It needs to be cleansed of individuals who should not just be fired, but, but who need to be taken out in handcuffs.” [04:53]
Tim Miller interprets these remarks as indicative of Pirro’s potential misuse of prosecutorial power:
“She is arguing that her colleagues in the Justice Department, if she becomes U.S. attorney, should be handcuffed and jailed.” [05:07]
Her comments on Islam and Sharia law further illustrate her controversial viewpoints:
“Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to Sharia law, which in itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?” [05:36]
These statements raise significant concerns about her impartiality and respect for constitutional principles.
5. Comparisons to Previous Nominees and Fox Personalities
The discussion draws parallels between Pirro and former nominee Ed Martin, noting a pattern in Trump’s selections:
“She is indistinguishable from Eagle Eyed Martin.” [05:30]
Tim Miller emphasizes the problematic nature of nominating media personalities with questionable ethics and lack of legal expertise:
“She is the 23rd person that is a FOX News personality nominated to this administration by Donald Trump.” [05:45]
6. Implications for the Justice System
Concluding remarks focus on the broader implications Pirro’s nomination holds for the U.S. Attorney’s office and the justice system:
Tim Miller articulates the risks associated with appointing someone with Pirro’s background:
“This is not somebody that you would put in place for that. Like, this is a job for a serious lawyer with a long career prosecuting hard criminals.” [05:50]
He underscores the mismatch between Pirro’s media persona and the responsibilities of a U.S. Attorney:
“From her temperament to her resume to her stated comments, this is a totally unacceptable choice.” [05:50]
7. Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring
The episode concludes with a commitment to monitor the situation and its developments:
“We're going to keep monitoring it and see what we hear from Republicans in the Senate and see what we hear from Judge Pirro herself.” [05:57]
Tim Miller reiterates the preposterousness of the nomination and the need for vigilance:
“It's just, it's preposterous. This is a preposterous choice.” [05:57]
Notable Quotes Summary
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Jeanine Pirro's Nomination:
“Donald Trump has named Jeanine Pirro, otherwise known as Judge Box of Wine.” [00:00]
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Pirro’s Lack of Legal Practice:
“She has not practiced law in many, many years.” [02:00]
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Promotion of "Stop the Steal":
“She was one of the most ostentatious promoters of the Stop the Steal effort.” [02:31]
-
Internal Criticism at Fox:
“Justin Wells... wrote that they took her off because she was being crazy.” [02:50]
-
Calls for DOJ Cleansing:
“There is a cleansing needed in our FBI and Department of Justice.” [04:53]
-
Concerns About Sharia Law:
“Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to Sharia law...” [05:36]
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Comparison to Ed Martin:
“She is indistinguishable from Eagle Eyed Martin.” [05:30]
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Final Assessment:
“This is a totally unacceptable choice.” [05:50]
Final Thoughts
The Bulwark Takes episode presents a critical examination of Jeanine Pirro’s nomination as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., highlighting significant concerns regarding her qualifications, past behavior, and ideological stances. The hosts argue that Pirro’s appointment poses a threat to the impartiality and integrity of the justice system, given her history of promoting conspiracy theories and displaying extremist viewpoints. The episode serves as a cautionary analysis of the implications such nominations hold for the rule of law and democratic institutions.