Ed Martin, head of the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group and U.S. pardon attorney, is reportedly leaving the department after a turbulent stretch in the Trump administration marked by ethics questions, failed confirmation efforts and several high-profile controversies.
President Donald Trump announced Martin’s departure on Truth Social, praising him for his work in multiple roles.
“Ed Martin has been with me from the very beginning, and done an incredible job as an Attorney, Director of the Weaponization Working Group, and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,” Trump wrote.
Trump said Martin would leave government to pursue legal battles surrounding the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election.
Martin responded on X, writing, “Proud to serve. Fight Fight Fight.”
Martin’s time in the administration drew scrutiny almost immediately. Trump initially nominated him to serve permanently as U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., but his confirmation effort collapsed after Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., withheld support because Martin had represented several clients who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
While serving as acting U.S. attorney, Martin moved to dismiss cases involving some former clients, triggering accusations of a conflict of interest. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., requested an ethics investigation, arguing that Martin failed to recuse himself from matters involving clients he had previously defended.
Martin also sent letters to two Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., informing them they were under investigation over comments Martin alleged were threatening.
He separately warned Georgetown University that his office would not hire interns or attorneys from the school unless it eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Martin later said failure to respond could “bear directly” on the university’s nonprofit status. That matter is also under investigation.
After his Senate confirmation path disappeared, Martin moved into dual roles at the DOJ, including U.S. pardon attorney.
He replaced Liz Oyer, who was fired after refusing to recommend restoring actor Mel Gibson’s gun rights.
Under Martin, Trump issued pardons to several people who had donated to his campaign or affiliated groups or were otherwise political allies.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, released a report Friday accusing Trump of effectively selling pardons. The report cited Martin’s “No MAGA left behind” philosophy and questioned several clemency cases involving Trump supporters and donors.
Martin also served as a special attorney for mortgage fraud and faced additional scrutiny over an investigation involving Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.
A federal grand jury in Maryland examined whether Martin or others connected to the Justice Department improperly involved outside figures in the Schiff investigation.
Attorney General Todd Blanche praised Martin following news of his departure.
“Ed Martin is a patriot who loves this nation,” Blanche wrote on X. “We thank him for his service to the Department, @POTUS and the American people. We look forward to seeing his future successes!”
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