Top officials at the Justice Department have significantly reduced Ed Martin’s responsibilities, marking a considerable shift for the long-time ally of President Donald Trump. According to sources familiar with the developments, Martin will no longer lead the department’s Weaponization Working Group, which was established to scrutinize the prosecutions spearheaded by special counsel Jack Smith concerning Trump and allegations of “prosecutorial abuse.”
Although Martin will retain his position as the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, he will be relocated to a different DOJ building in Northeast Washington, distancing himself from key figures, including the attorney general. This move will separate him from the direct influence he previously had within the department’s core leadership. A Justice Department spokesperson affirmed, “President Trump appointed Ed Martin as pardon attorney, and Ed continues to do a great job in that role.”
Martin has a history as an anti-abortion activist and was involved in organizing the rally that took place before the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol. Although he was appointed by Trump as U.S. attorney for D.C. temporarily, he faced challenges due to his lack of trial experience. His brief tenure was characterized by his threats to investigate Trump’s political adversaries and his actions against career prosecutors handling cases related to Trump and the Capitol events.
Initially nominated to serve as U.S. attorney, Martin’s candidacy faced obstacles as he lacked sufficient Senate backing, prompting Trump to appoint him to a senior role within the Justice Department that did not require confirmation. Throughout his leadership of the Weaponization Working Group, Martin has been a central figure in pursuing prosecutions of Trump’s political opponents, including notable figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI director James B. Comey.
Recent reports have indicated that federal prosecutors have been investigating potential links between Martin and a witness in an ongoing inquiry involving Senator Adam Schiff, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Martin’s activities.