Senate Judiciary Democrats Target Trump’s Nominee for DC US Attorney
In what appears to be a last-minute attempt to derail the nomination of Ed Martin as DC’s US Attorney, Senate Judiciary Democrats have launched a preemptive strike. The timing is as telling as the action itself, given that Martin is currently serving in an acting capacity and awaits formal Senate confirmation.
Earlier this month, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California, a key member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced a hold on Martin’s nomination. Trump had nominated Martin to take over permanently as one of the nation’s leading federal prosecutors.
Should Martin fail to secure confirmation by May 20, the federal court in DC will appoint an interim US Attorney. As of now, no vote has been scheduled for his confirmation, leaving the future of this nomination hanging in the balance.
Schiff has accused Martin of misusing the authority of the US Attorney’s office in DC, claiming he has wielded it as a “cudgel to chill dissent.” This characterization sets the tone for the ongoing political tussle surrounding Martin’s potential appointment.
On Tuesday, major outlets like CNN and The Washington Post published critical reports on Martin, alleging that he had difficulty recalling some of his more controversial remarks during questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
According to CNN, “In his written responses, which were submitted under oath, Martin deflected and distanced himself from his past inflammatory rhetoric and comments on Democrats, the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, and the federal justice system.”
The scrutiny intensified when Martin reportedly failed to categorically acknowledge that violence occurred on January 6, 2021, and evaded a direct answer regarding whether he believed the 2020 presidential election was stolen. His responses left the door ajar for the hypothetical notion of a third Trump term, which further fueled skepticism among Senate Democrats.
Senate Judiciary Democrats have leveled accusations against Martin, claiming he submitted false statements under oath. They stated, “Ed Martin, Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney in DC, submits false statements under oath, dodges 80+ questions in written responses submitted to the committee.”
BREAKING: Ed Martin, Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney in DC, submits false statements under oath, dodges 80+ questions in written responses submitted to the committee.
— Senate Judiciary Democrats (@JudiciaryDems) April 29, 2025
In a follow-up tweet, Senate Judiciary Democrats alleged that Martin had lied about photos of pardoned January 6 rioter Timothy Hale posing as Hitler while receiving an award. They emphasized that Martin had previously discussed this incident on his podcast, where he referred to it as “goofing around.”
Ed Martin, Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney in DC, told us *under oath* that he hadn’t seen photos of a pardoned insurrectionist posing as Hitler before giving him an award.
But Martin talked about it on his podcast weeks before… and called it “goofing around.” pic.twitter.com/JkxLG6fInP
— Senate Judiciary Democrats (@JudiciaryDems) April 29, 2025
Mike Howell from the Oversight Project has rebutted these claims, stating, “Nowhere in the video clip does he say he saw the photo. In fact, he has abundantly condemned it.”
This is fake news and terrible lawyering from @JudiciaryDems
Nowhere in the video clip does he say he saw the photo. In fact, he has abundantly condemned it.
The political party that has embraced Hamas surrogates in the US is spreading misinfo just to get at Trump.
— Mike Howell (@MHowellTweets) April 29, 2025
Call to Action: Support for Ed Martin
Supporters of Ed Martin are encouraged to express their backing by copying and filling out the following letter to Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]April 17, 2025
The Honorable Chuck Grassley
Chairman, Judiciary Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin,
I write today in strong support of Edward R. Martin, Jr. and his confirmation as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. I have had the privilege of knowing Ed for nearly two decades, both personally and professionally, and I offer this letter to speak not only to his qualifications but also to his unwavering character, deep humility, and heartfelt commitment to public service.
Ed is not the kind of man who seeks headlines. He seeks results—quietly, consistently, and with integrity. I first came to know him when he served as Chief of Staff to then-Governor Matt Blunt in Missouri. Even at that time, Ed carried himself with a rare combination of gravitas and approachability. He listened before he spoke, worked longer hours than anyone else around him, and maintained an open-door policy for staff, constituents, and community members alike.
More recently, Ed’s work as U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C. has only deepened my respect for him. His commitment to President Trump’s Executive Order “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful” has been hands-on and personal. On multiple occasions, he has joined MPD officers on evening patrols—not for show, but to understand the complex challenges our neighborhoods face and to build authentic relationships with officers and residents alike. His regular attendance at community meetings has made him a familiar and trusted presence—rare for someone in his position.
It also speaks volumes that Attorney General Pam Bondi selected Ed to serve on the “Weaponization Working Group,” charged with advancing the Administration’s efforts to end the misuse of federal power. Ed brings to that responsibility not just legal acumen but also moral clarity. He understands the stakes of restoring public trust in our institutions, and he carries that charge with the seriousness it demands.
Ed’s roots in service go beyond law and government. His early work with the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis—directing the Human Rights Office and expanding legal access for the poor—demonstrates a lifelong commitment to justice, human dignity, and bridge-building across faiths and communities. His work fighting antisemitism and bigotry wasn’t prompted by politics; it was simply who he is.
Above all, Ed is a man of deep faith, a devoted husband and father, and a servant leader. He leads with compassion and conviction. I’ve seen him make tough decisions with wisdom, but I’ve also seen him hold a door for a stranger, mentor a young intern, and show up for a grieving family with nothing more than a quiet presence and a kind word.
I urge the Committee to confirm Edward R. Martin, Jr. as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. His experience, integrity, and devotion to justice make him an exemplary candidate, and our nation will be better served by his continued leadership.
Respectfully,
[Your Full Name]
April 17, 2025
