Ed Martin Anticipated to Depart Justice Department

Ed Martin, who served in the Trump Justice Department for over nine months, is anticipated to depart the department in the coming weeks. His tenure included serving as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., and holding roles as director of a working group established to examine past government probes and as pardon attorney. His departure follows reported limitations on his influence within the department and his earlier removal from a leadership role in the "weaponization" working group.

Initial Appointments and Challenges

Martin was appointed interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., in January 2025. During this period, he initiated actions that included demoting senior prosecutors involved in January 6-related cases and expressing an intent to protect Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees.

His nomination for U.S. Attorney was withdrawn in May 2025 due to insufficient Senate support. Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reportedly opposed the nomination. Following this, Jeanine Pirro was named U.S. Attorney for D.C.

Leadership of the "Weaponization Working Group"

Following the withdrawal of his U.S. Attorney nomination, President Trump assigned Martin to several new positions within the Justice Department, including director of the "Weaponization Working Group." This group was established by Attorney General Pam Bondi in response to a presidential executive order.

The working group's stated objectives included:

• Examining the work of former special counsel Jack Smith.
• Investigating any federal collaboration with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg regarding Trump’s hush money case.
• Reviewing the Justice Department's handling of cases related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
• Examining criminal prosecutions of anti-abortion activists.

Martin, described as an advocate for individuals arrested after the Capitol riot, had previously indicated intentions to "name" and "shame" individuals the department could not formally charge with crimes.

This approach reportedly diverged from established Justice Department policy, which generally advises against confirming or commenting on ongoing investigations. Martin had stated the importance of revealing "the truth" when asked about potential conflicts with these protocols.

Limited Influence and Removal

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Trump, took steps to limit Martin’s influence after he was installed at Justice Department headquarters. Martin was reportedly "layered" by the Deputy Attorney General in his role leading the Working Weaponization Group, suggesting he was not fully in charge of the effort.

Another individual familiar with the group’s work stated:

"The fact is that Ed was given all opportunity to lead this group and deliver on its mission, but he did nothing."

This source added that other department personnel have since made progress on tasks that should have been under Martin's leadership. A Justice Department spokesman confirmed that Martin was removed from his leadership role within the working group. The current leadership of the group is not publicly known.

Role as Pardon Attorney

Alongside his role in the working group, Martin was also appointed pardon attorney. A Justice Department spokesman confirmed that Martin continues to serve in this capacity. Sources suggest Martin has more authority in his position as pardon attorney, where he has actively participated in reviewing clemency applications. However, the final decisions on pardons within the Trump Administration, similar to other administrations, are largely made by the White House. Martin's office is currently situated within the pardon office.

Upcoming Departure and Next Steps

Martin is expected to depart the Justice Department in the coming weeks. His future plans following his departure are not clear, but a source familiar with his activities noted he spent a significant portion of the previous week at the White House. Martin did not respond to requests for comment regarding these developments.