President Donald Trump's choice for the top federal prosecutor post in Washington, D.C., faces growing resistance, testing Republican resolve as his interim appointment nears a decision deadline. Ed Martin, a conservative activist with limited courtroom background, has drawn fire for his defense of individuals involved in the January 6 events and his subsequent actions leading the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Martin assumed the interim role in January, just hours after Trump's inauguration. He was later nominated for the permanent, Senate-confirmed position. This selection immediately ignited controversy within the legal community and among Democrats in Congress.
Critics point to Martin's past advocacy in the "Stop the Steal" movement and his work as a defense lawyer for some of those charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. Shortly after taking office, Martin moved to dismiss or reassign senior prosecutors who had handled riot cases.
Nearly 100 former employees and prosecutors from the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office have signed a memo opposing Martin's confirmation. Shared with CBS News, the letter calls for the rejection of his nomination, asserting his past actions and statements regarding the 2020 election and the Capitol breach demonstrate he is unfit for the role. (Source)
Senate Democrats, including California Sen. Adam Schiff, have labeled Martin unqualified and placed a hold on his nomination to slow the process. They are pushing for a confirmation hearing, a rare step for U.S. Attorney nominees, to question Martin directly about his record and conduct. (Source)
Among the controversies is Martin's praise for Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, described by the Department of Justice as a Nazi sympathizer and white supremacist. Martin called Hale-Cusanelli "extraordinary" at an event last year. While Martin later expressed regret and claimed he did not know the full extent of Hale-Cusanelli's history, he had previously interviewed him and alluded to the controversy surrounding photos of Hale-Cusanelli with a Hitler mustache. (Source)
Martin also spoke alongside Hale-Cusanelli at a fundraising event for the Phyllis Schlafly Eagles, an advocacy group Martin has led. (Source)
Despite the opposition, Martin has supporters among conservative figures. He touts endorsements from Elon Musk, Charlie Kirk, and Donald Trump Jr. Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee have also expressed support, believing Martin will reform an office they view as overly focused on January 6 cases and not enough on street crime. Martin, who previously served as chief of staff for then-Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, launched a "Make DC Safe Again" initiative soon after taking office. Other prominent conservatives, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, have also been vocal in their support for individuals involved in January 6 and skepticism toward federal prosecutions related to the event.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has indicated the committee is still reviewing the nomination and has numerous questions for Martin. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican on the committee, has also expressed concerns about Martin's comments regarding January 6 and plans to meet with him.
Martin maintains confidence in his nomination and his work leading the office. He has stated his opinions will not influence his official duties and highlights efforts to address violent crime.
