Trump says hell pull the nomination of Ed Martin, who defended Jan. 6 rioters, for DC US Attorney

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 4:02 pm

Trump Withdraws Nomination of DC US Attorney Pick Amid Jan. 6 Controversy

President Donald Trump has announced he's pulling the nomination of Ed Martin Jr. to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. This decision comes after a key Republican senator signaled they wouldn't support Martin's confirmation, citing his past defense of individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the situation. Martin has been serving as the acting U.S. Attorney for DC since Trump's first week in office. However, his path to a permanent position faced increasing scrutiny.

Martin's tenure has been marked by controversy. He faced criticism for his actions, including firing and demoting subordinates involved in politically sensitive cases, posting about potential investigation targets on social media, and forcing the resignation of the chief of the criminal division. These actions, coupled with his support for those who participated in the January 6th events, ultimately proved to be a significant hurdle to his confirmation. Martin's temporary appointment is set to expire on May 20th. The search for a permanent replacement will now continue.

BNN's Perspective: This situation highlights the complexities of political appointments. While it's understandable that a nominee's past statements and actions are scrutinized, it's also important to ensure that political considerations don't unduly influence the selection of individuals to serve in critical roles like U.S. Attorney. Finding a candidate who can uphold the law fairly and impartially, while also navigating the current political climate, is a challenge.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Ed Martin Jr., DC US Attorney, nomination, January 6th, Capitol riot, confirmation, Republican senator, U.S. Attorney, District of Columbia, political appointment, controversy, acting U.S. Attorney, Oval Office, firing, demotion, social media, investigation, Joe Biden, May 20th.

Full Story