Trump nominates Edward Martin as U.S. attorney for D.C.

Trump picks Edward Martin, who defended January 6 rioters, for top prosecutor role in Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on while signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., on January 31, 2025. Photo by Carlos Barria/Reuters

By Clarisa Sendy and Adila Ghina

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will nominate Edward Martin, currently serving as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, for a full and permanent term. Martin, a longtime Trump ally, has drawn scrutiny for his past legal representation of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Martin’s legal background raises concerns

Before assuming his current role, Martin was a defense attorney who represented multiple individuals charged with participating in the Capitol riot. Last month, he requested a judge drop charges against one such defendant, a move that has sparked criticism due to his previous role in the case.

Trump, who granted clemency on his first day in office to nearly all of the 1,600 people charged in connection with the riot, has remained steadfast in his support for those involved. His decision to nominate Martin underscores his continued efforts to reshape the Justice Department in line with his agenda.

Legal experts have raised concerns about Martin’s ability to serve as a neutral prosecutor, given his history of defending individuals accused of attempting to overturn Trump’s 2020 election defeat. Justice Department regulations prohibit attorneys from working on cases involving former clients for at least a year, and legal ethics rules generally bar lawyers from representing both sides in the same case.

Senate confirmation likely to be contentious

Martin’s nomination must be approved by the Senate, where it is expected to face opposition from Democrats and some legal experts concerned about potential conflicts of interest. His past statements criticizing the Justice Department’s handling of the January 6 investigation could further complicate the confirmation process.

Martin has defended his actions, insisting he is in full compliance with the ethical and legal requirements of his role. A spokesperson for Martin told Reuters earlier this month that he has followed all necessary protocols.

However, Martin’s presence outside the Capitol during the riot, as well as his legal representation of two other individuals convicted for their roles in the attack, have fueled concerns about his impartiality. Critics argue that his nomination could undermine public trust in the Justice Department’s ability to prosecute January 6-related cases fairly.

Trump’s continued focus on January 6 cases

The nomination of Martin aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of reshaping the legal landscape surrounding the January 6 riot. His mass clemency order for those charged in connection with the attack, combined with efforts to install allies in key legal positions, reflects his ongoing battle against what he calls a politically motivated crackdown on his supporters.

The Capitol attack occurred after Trump spent weeks falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. His supporters stormed the building in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory. The riot led to multiple deaths, injuries to law enforcement officers, and over 1,600 criminal charges.

While Trump’s supporters view Martin’s nomination as a necessary correction to what they perceive as unjust prosecutions, critics warn it represents a dangerous politicization of the Justice Department. If confirmed, Martin would hold a critical position overseeing prosecutions in Washington, D.C., a jurisdiction that includes numerous ongoing January 6-related cases.

Confirmation battle ahead

With Martin’s nomination now heading to the Senate, the confirmation process is expected to be heated. Democrats are likely to question his past legal work, his stance on January 6 cases, and whether he can serve as an impartial enforcer of the law. Some legal experts predict that his confirmation could set a precedent for how future administrations handle politically charged legal appointments.

For now, Martin remains the acting U.S. attorney for D.C., but his future in the role will depend on whether he can navigate the political and ethical concerns surrounding his nomination.