Janine Pirro, appointed by President Trump as the District of Columbia’s chief prosecutor this week, is yet another Fox News personality stepping into high office this year.
On Thursday, she spoke positively about the president during a segment on the network, joining a growing list of former Fox contributors who have received significant roles in the administration.
This pattern hints that Trump is closely monitoring the coverage he receives on conservative networks, seeing their support as integral to his agenda.
Here are some other former Fox News figures who have held prominent positions in Trump’s second term.
Jeanine Pirro, US Attorney for DC
Pirro, a former judge and prosecutor, has previously been elected multiple times as the district attorney for Westchester County, New York.
For the last 15 years, she has been known for her staunchly conservative commentary and has garnered favor with the president.
As the co-host of “The Five,” Fox News’ leading show, she frequently praised Trump and criticized his opponents.
Pirro is recognized in cable news for her sharp remarks and passionate rants, though she’s faced backlash for some of her comments, including a notable incident in 2019 involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, which led Fox to distance itself from her statements.
Trump defended her at the time, insisting that the network reinstate her soon.
The president views Pirro as a crucial ally in his efforts to “clean up” Washington, believing she will take a strong stance on crime.
“Janine is very fit for this role and is lauded as one of New York State’s top district attorneys,” Trump said while appointing her, adding that she is a standout individual.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Once one of Fox News’ popular weekend hosts, Pete Hegseth was selected by Trump to lead the Pentagon.
A combat veteran with a decade of experience at Fox, he was a vocal critic of military policies while promoting Trump’s “America First” strategy.
Hegseth encountered scrutiny during his Senate confirmation process due to allegations of heavy drinking and mistreatment of women.
He later faced another controversy regarding a miscommunication while discussing plans against Yemeni terrorists, but Trump remained supportive of him throughout.
“The media gets tips from disgruntled former staff and tries to ruin reputations,” Hegseth claimed during a press event.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
Former Wisconsin congressman Sean Duffy, who also had a stint in media, is another significant Fox personality now in the cabinet.
Duffy, known for his time on MTV’s “The Real World,” is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosted with Hegseth on Fox.
After leaving Congress and then joining Fox Business in 2022, he caught Trump’s attention and was appointed to manage the Department of Transportation during a period of significant concern over air traffic control and passenger safety.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat and Fox News contributor, shifted her political stance and contributed significantly leading into the 2024 election.
She used her platform to defend Trump against negative media portrayals and criticized her former party.
Supported by Trump during campaigning, Gabbard has been critical of former administration policies, especially regarding Ukraine, emphasizing a focus on national security during her tenure.
“Our intelligence community must concentrate on national security,” Gabbard remarked on social media, highlighting her commitment to curbing politically motivated leaks.
Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative media personality, joined Fox in 2021, later taking over a program formerly hosted by Rush Limbaugh.
A key figure in conservative commentary, Bongino was picked by Trump to oversee FBI Director Kash Patel, often criticizing alleged federal overreach against Trump’s administration.
“I have no trust in the DOJ or the FBI when it comes to political matters,” Bongino stated before the November 2024 election.
Tom Homan, Border Chief
Tom Homan, a longtime immigration officer, joined Fox News in 2019. He has robustly defended Trump’s immigration policies publicly.
Homan gained attention for his comments on “60 Minutes,” addressing the potential impact of separating children from parents during deportations.
A vocal critic of Democratic immigration policies, he recently supported Trump’s controversial idea to reopen Alcatraz for detaining immigrants.
Former RNC Chair Lara Trump
Though not officially part of the administration, Lara Trump exemplifies the connection between Trump and Fox. After joining as a contributor in 2021, she transitioned to campaign leadership for Republican candidates.
She also co-chaired the RNC and hinted at pursuing a Senate seat in North Carolina.
This year, she signed a contract with Fox, hosting a weekend program called “My View.”
Lara Trump’s show uniquely connects the Trump administration to Fox’s audience, with the president often promoting her work on social media.
“Don’t forget, Lara Trump’s new show on Fox News is debuting tonight,” Trump stated, acknowledging his influence on her success.
He added humorously, “I might have a bias, but she’s genuinely great.”
