President Trump has nominated Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to replace Ed Martin as the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Pirro, who has a history of involvement in the cannabis industry, has expressed support for medical marijuana but has not explicitly endorsed broader recreational legalization.
Pirro’s nomination comes after Trump initially chose Ed Martin for the role, but Martin’s nomination was withdrawn following controversy surrounding his threat to prosecute a Washington, D.C. medical marijuana dispensary. Martin had warned the dispensary that it was in violation of federal law, despite the fact that it was compliant with local regulations.
In contrast, Pirro has expressed a more nuanced view of cannabis, stating that she is “excited to be a part of the opportunity for people to access fantastic wellness options that are both natural and physically and emotionally beneficial.” Pirro has also served on the board of HeavenlyRx, a CBD company, and has taken on several marijuana-related cases during her time as a judge and district attorney.
While Pirro’s views on cannabis are more moderate than Martin’s, she has not explicitly endorsed ending cannabis prohibition. However, her nomination may be seen as a positive development for cannabis advocates, who have been pushing for greater acceptance and legalization of the drug.
The nomination comes as the White House has been criticized for its stance on cannabis reform. In March, the White House released a fact sheet criticizing the District’s decision to decriminalize marijuana, stating that it had “opened the door to disorder.” However, Trump has previously expressed support for a states’ rights approach to marijuana laws, and some have speculated that he may be open to greater cannabis reform in the future.
