In a recent development from Washington, President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw the nomination of Ed Martin Jr. for the position of the chief federal prosecutor in the nation’s capital. This decision came in response to bipartisan criticism concerning Martin’s limited legal experience, his controversial political stances, and his support for participants in the January 6 Capitol riots. Instead of the prosecutor role, Trump intends to position Martin as an associate deputy attorney general and pardon attorney. This new role will enable Martin to make recommendations concerning the pardons of numerous individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol.
Upon assuming office in January, Trump issued widespread pardons and case dismissals for those charged in connection with the Capitol unrest. Martin will also take on the role of director for the “weaponization working group” within the Justice Department, a group initiated earlier in the year to explore activities and decisions from the administration of former President Joe Biden, particularly those that have been criticized by Republicans as targeting conservatives unfairly. “In these significant roles, Ed will ensure that we thoroughly investigate the weaponizing of our government under the Biden regime,” Trump remarked on social media.
The announcement came days after key Republican Sen. Thom Tillis voiced his inability to support Martin for the prosecutor position due to Martin’s previous defense of the Capitol rioters. Following the withdrawal, Trump named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, a former county prosecutor and judge, as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Trump described Martin as a “terrific person” but acknowledged the lack of support for his confirmation, indicating he lacked the capacity to rally more backing from senators.
Following the public announcement, Martin shared an image on social media humorously edited to show him in papal attire with the caption “Plot twist,” drawing parallels to the unexpected news developments akin to when a new pope is declared. Despite serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia since Trump’s initial tenure, Martin’s hopes for a permanent position dwindled due to concerns over his credentials and backing of the January 6 events.
His brief period in office was marked by controversy, including dismissing cases, social media postings about investigative targets, and forcing a senior official’s resignation over Biden-era contract scrutiny. Martin’s interim appointment is set to end on May 20. The nominee faced additional backlash after failing to initially disclose over 150 appearances on Russian state-sponsored networks to the committee, corrected only through a subsequent follow-up.
A significant number of former office prosecutors opposed Martin’s nomination, expressing in a letter that his appointment undermines the justice ideals upheld by the office. However, Martin did attract support from figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., who supported his conservative activism and crime reduction efforts in Washington. Known for his leading role in the “Stop the Steal” movement, Martin was involved in activities supporting the January 6 riot, including speaking at a pre-riot rally and championing legal defenses for defendants connected with the riots.
Furthermore, Martin managed the dismissal of numerous Jan. 6 related cases following presidential pardons and conducted an internal review challenging the prosecuting office’s handling of charges. Criticism of Martin intensified with his praise for a known riot defendant, Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, who displayed openly bigoted and antisemitic views, describing him admiringly despite his reprehensible beliefs. Martin apologized for any association upon discovering these views, claiming ignorance at the time of praising him publicly.
Before ascending to this high-profile legal stage, Martin practiced law in Missouri without serving in a prosecutorial capacity or handling cases prior to his appointment by Trump in January. Previously, he chaired the Missouri Republican Party and became president of the Eagle Forum, founded by Phyllis Schlafly, Trump’s notable supporter, with whom Martin authored a book before her passing in 2016.