(DailyChive.com) – Trump withdraws Ed Martin’s U.S. Attorney nomination amid GOP pushback, but quickly creates new DOJ role for him to tackle “weaponization” of government.
At a Glance
- President Trump withdrew Ed Martin’s nomination for DC U.S. Attorney after Republican opposition
- Senator Thom Tillis was a key opponent to Martin’s nomination
- Trump created a new role for Martin as Director of the Weaponization Working Group at DOJ
- Martin will also serve as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Pardon Attorney
- Judge Jeanine Pirro has been nominated to replace Martin as DC U.S. Attorney
Trump Shifts Strategy After GOP Resistance
President Donald Trump was forced to withdraw his nomination of Ed Martin for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia after facing significant resistance within Republican ranks. Senator Thom Tillis emerged as a prominent voice against the nomination, creating a roadblock for Martin’s confirmation. The nomination had been controversial from the start, with concerns about Martin’s qualifications and approach to the role being raised by several lawmakers. Trump’s decision to pull the nomination before a potentially embarrassing rejection vote demonstrates his willingness to adapt to political realities.
The withdrawal came after Martin had already been serving in an interim capacity, during which he made headlines for issuing warning letters to Democratic members of Congress. These letters concerned alleged threats against Trump and his allies, including technology entrepreneur Elon Musk. While Martin’s aggressive actions endeared him to Trump’s base, they contributed to the resistance he faced in the confirmation process, particularly from more moderate Republican senators who questioned his temperament.
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
New Custom-Made Role at DOJ
Rather than abandoning Martin altogether, Trump demonstrated his loyalty by creating a new position specifically tailored to Martin’s strengths and aligned with the administration’s priorities. The newly established role of Director of the Weaponization Working Group at the Department of Justice gives Martin significant influence within the administration. This position appears designed to investigate what Trump has repeatedly described as the politicization of federal agencies under the previous administration, particularly actions taken against Trump and his allies.
In his statement announcing the new appointment, Trump emphasized that Martin would be investigating “the Weaponization of our Government under the Biden Regime.” This language reflects Trump’s consistent messaging about what he perceives as politically motivated investigations and prosecutions that targeted him during his time out of office. The creation of this role signals Trump’s commitment to addressing these concerns, which resonated strongly with his voter base during the campaign.
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
Expanded Responsibilities and Implications
Martin’s responsibilities extend beyond heading the Weaponization Working Group. He will simultaneously serve as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Pardon Attorney, positions that grant him significant authority within the Department of Justice. This consolidation of roles provides Martin with multiple channels through which to exercise influence over federal law enforcement priorities and pardoning processes, despite the setback of losing the U.S. Attorney nomination.
To fill the vacancy left by Martin’s withdrawn nomination, Trump has turned to a loyal ally with significant public recognition – Judge Jeanine Pirro. The former New York State judge and Fox News personality has been a vocal defender of Trump throughout his political career. Her nomination signals Trump’s preference for individuals with media experience and demonstrated loyalty. If confirmed, Pirro would oversee federal prosecutions in Washington, DC, an office that handles many politically sensitive cases.
Martin has publicly expressed gratitude to Trump for the new appointment, reaffirming his commitment to the “Make America Great Again” agenda. His continued presence in the administration, albeit in a different capacity than originally planned, suggests Trump’s determination to maintain a team of officials committed to investigating what he sees as past abuses of power, even when faced with Senate opposition to his preferred appointments.
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