President Trump withdrew Ed Martin’s nomination for U.S. Attorney for D.C. amid Republican opposition, but quickly appointed him to a pivotal role investigating government weaponization at the Department of Justice.
At a Glance
- Trump withdrew Ed Martin’s nomination for U.S. Attorney for D.C. after facing resistance from Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis
- Judge Jeanine Pirro has been nominated as Martin’s replacement for the U.S. Attorney position
- Martin received a new appointment as Director of the Weaponization Working Group at the Department of Justice
- Martin will also serve as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Pardon Attorney
- During his time as interim U.S. Attorney, Martin issued warning letters to Democrats allegedly threatening Trump
Republican Opposition Leads to Withdrawn Nomination
President Donald Trump has withdrawn Ed Martin’s nomination for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia after facing significant resistance within Republican ranks. The decision came following opposition from key figures such as Senator Thom Tillis, who publicly stated his unwillingness to support Martin’s confirmation. The nomination had been controversial from the start, with concerns raised about Martin’s qualifications and approach to the role of Chief Federal Prosecutor in the nation’s capital.
The White House acknowledged the challenging path to confirmation in their announcement of the withdrawal. Martin, who had been serving in an interim capacity, had already made headlines for his aggressive approach to the role, particularly regarding his issuance of warning letters to Democratic members of Congress whom he accused of making threats against President Trump and his allies. These actions earned him substantial support within Trump’s base.
New: Trump says Ed Martin will simultaneously serve three roles at the Justice Department after pulling his nomination to be US Attorney in DC — as an Associate Deputy AG, the Pardon Attorney and the head of the Weaponization Working Group
— Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) May 9, 2025
Judge Jeanine Pirro Tapped as Replacement
In a swift pivot, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Judge Jeanine Pirro for the vacated U.S. Attorney position. Pirro, a former judge, prosecutor, and Fox News personality, brings a high profile and staunch conservative credentials to the nomination. The selection of Pirro signals Trump’s continued desire to place allies in key judicial positions while maintaining his commitment to addressing what he characterizes as politically motivated prosecutions from the previous administration.
Pirro’s nomination will now move through the Senate confirmation process, where it may face similar scrutiny to Martin’s. The U.S. Attorney for D.C. holds unique importance in the federal justice system as the office handles both local prosecutions in the District of Columbia and significant federal cases, including many related to the January 6 Capitol events. The position is considered one of the most consequential federal prosecutor roles in the country.
Trump announces Ed Martin will be Pardon Attorney, head up 'Weaponization Working Group' & be a Dep. AG after Martin's nomination as top Fed Prosecutor in DC was blocked over his defense of Jan 6'ers. https://t.co/xbp73H6H5L
— Scott Thuman (@ScottThuman) May 9, 2025
Martin’s New Role Targeting “Weaponization”
Despite the setback on his U.S. Attorney nomination, Ed Martin quickly received a substantial consolation prize. President Trump announced Martin’s appointment to multiple significant roles within the Department of Justice, including Director of the Weaponization Working Group, Associate Deputy Attorney General, and Pardon Attorney. These positions do not require Senate confirmation, allowing Martin to assume his duties immediately.
In his statement announcing the new appointments, President Trump emphasized that Martin would be tasked with “investigating the Weaponization of our Government under the Biden Regime.” This aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to address what he and his supporters view as politically motivated prosecutions and investigations during the previous administration. The President praised Martin’s capabilities and commitment to these goals.
Martin expressed gratitude for the new opportunity, reaffirming his commitment to President Trump’s agenda with a “Make America Great Again” message. The Weaponization Working Group is expected to examine various federal agencies and departments for evidence of what the administration considers improper targeting of Trump supporters and conservative causes during the Biden years, potentially leading to significant changes in department policies and personnel.
