The clock is running out for D.C.’s top federal prosecutor Ed Martin. He has to be confirmed by Congress by May 20 to serve in the position full time, but he’s facing critique and skepticism from all sides.
Who Is Ed Martin?
Martin is a former Missouri lawyer and Republican party chair who President Trump nominated as U.S. Attorney for D.C.
Since being appointed, Martin has overseen the dismissals of hundreds of Jan. 6 cases and fired 30 prosecutors overseeing Capitol riot cases. Last month, he accused Wikipedia of spreading propaganda, lauded a Nazi sympathizer as “an extraordinary man,” and is threatening to upend D.C.’s cannabis market.
His seemingly endless political baggage and recent attacks on D.C. dispensaries have made him a controversial figure for Washingtonians and the GOP alike.
So far, [Ed Martin] has done more to send threatening letters and fire prosecutors responsible for handling local cases than he has to do his job.
Alex Koma, WAMU reporter
A Controversial Pick
Even Republican senators are now expressing unease about confirming Ed Martin to the position. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he has “serious questions” about Martin, particularly over his comments minimizing the Jan. 6 riots. If rejected, Ed Martin would be the first of Trump’s nominees to face GOP opposition.
Edward Martin during an Anacostia Coordinating Council monthly meeting. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Martin Comes After Local Cannabis
Most recently, Martin has involved himself in a local dispute over the proximity of a licensed medical cannabis store to a Palisades school. He sent a letter warning the dispensary that it was violating federal law and could be prosecuted despite being legal under local law.
Federal budget provisions stipulate feds can’t prosecute those abiding by state-level cannabis laws, but unfortunately, D.C. is not a state, leaving us vulnerable. The threat has been seen as a not-so-subtle hint to all local cannabis businesses to watch their backs.
What’s Next for Martin?
Only four Senate Republicans would need to vote against Martin (along with every Democrat and independent) to block his confirmation, and it's looking more and more likely. If he is not confirmed, a judge will have to assign someone else to the role.
