President Donald Trump is personally lobbying Republican senators to secure the confirmation of Ed Martin, his embattled nominee for U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., according to sources familiar with the situation. Martin’s path to confirmation has been rocky, drawing scrutiny from lawmakers and officials within the Department of Justice.
The White House and the Department of Justice have actively guided Martin through the nomination process, assisting him with complex disclosure requirements and administrative paperwork. However, it is Trump’s behind-the-scenes involvement—making direct calls to GOP senators—that underscores the nomination’s political significance and fragile standing.
Martin’s nomination has faced significant scrutiny. He initially failed to disclose nearly 200 media appearances—some on far-right or Russian state-run platforms—raising red flags among Senate Judiciary Committee members. Under oath, he also claimed not to recall several controversial statements he had made in the past. These missteps have fueled bipartisan concerns and delayed the committee vote.
Senator Chuck Grassley, chair of the Judiciary Committee, acknowledged that Republicans need more time to vet Martin, while Senator Thom Tillis voiced “serious questions” about Martin’s inflammatory comments regarding police officers involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have also reportedly expressed reservations in private.
A vote on Martin’s confirmation has yet to be scheduled. Although the FBI has now submitted all required background materials, time is running out. Martin’s interim appointment will expire on May 20, after which a new nomination process could be triggered—potentially allowing a federal judge, Obama appointee James Boasberg, to name a replacement. This outcome would be unwelcome in Trump’s camp, given Boasberg’s prior rulings against Trump-era policies.
Following the publication of reports on Martin’s confirmation battle, Trump publicly weighed in on Truth Social, calling Martin’s approval “IMPERATIVE.” Additionally, a group of 23 Republican state attorneys general has urged Senate leaders to expedite the confirmation.
Despite internal DOJ preferences for another candidate, department officials are now supporting Martin, acknowledging Trump’s commitment to the nominee. According to White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer, Martin has “successfully implemented President Trump’s law and order agenda” and is regarded by Trump as his top choice for the role.
Yet, controversy continues to cloud Martin’s tenure. Critics point to his public characterization of the U.S. Attorney’s Office as “President Trump’s lawyers” and his demotion of prosecutors handling Capitol riot cases. These actions have deepened partisan divisions and amplified concerns over his leadership style and impartiality.
Although Republican senators remain divided, efforts are underway to keep Martin’s nomination moving forward. Whether those efforts will lead to confirmation—or another high-stakes showdown—remains to be seen.
